When Farida fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's invasion, she arrived in Delhi as a housewife with no formal work experience, no language, and an uncertain future for her children. What she did have was a single crochet needle, given to her by her mother as part of her dowry.

“Someone told me about Silaiwali, so I went, and they taught me how to make mushroom crochet keychains. I started working from home. Soon, I realised other women in my neighbourhood also needed work.”

What started as one woman working from home became a community. At its peak, nearly 100 women were crocheting alongside Farida ma'am who taught and managed a centre she ran independently in Bhogal, New Delhi.

“When I started, I had nothing – no tools, no thread. Today, by God's grace, I have many crochet needle sets.”

When global events slowed the orders, Farida ma'am didn't stop. She found a new path, and Project Tawwaqo found her. Because for Farida, the message has always been simple: whatever resources you have, use them. Move forward for yourself, and for others.

When Silaiwali's international orders slowed after the war in Ukraine, the work that had sustained nearly 100 women began to dry up. It was in this moment that Project Tawwaqo arrived.

“The students have helped us a lot. They helped us with the stalls and with our products. When I needed to move, they helped me find a house. We didn't have enough money, but they solved our problem. They have done a lot for the ladies here and me.” – Farida Ma'am

Project Tawwaqo was founded in March 2022 by Aditi Trivedy, then a student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, as part of the United Nations Millennium Development Fellowship. The fellowship asked participants to work closely with a community toward the Sustainable Development Goals, wherein Aditi and her team chose gender equality and economic growth.

“I'd read about the refugee community in Delhi for quite some time. I always felt a certain connection to the Afghan community, and when I reached out, I realised most people were simply looking for a platform to sell what they'd already made.” – Aditi Trivedy

Delhi University's vibrant campus became that platform. What started as stalls at college events aims to turn their dream of an economically empowered future a reality through their craftsmanship and skill.

Tawwaqo is no longer just an idea born in a fellowship programme. It is a living, growing initiative with real numbers, real people, and real impact. Over 20 colleges across Delhi-NCR. Products worth over ₹1.5 lakh sold. More than ₹50,000 earned by the community through bulk orders and online sales. A product base that has grown beyond crochet to food items, traditional Afghan desserts, and more.

“We're talking about the story of our community. They come with their history, and it's important for us to know about their struggle. On the other hand, we also want to ensure that we help them earn a livelihood.”

While Project Tawwaqo has managed to overcome some challenges, others persist. Afghan refugees in India cannot open bank accounts, access formal employment, or hold Aadhaar cards. Community spaces that once held them together have shut down. Many are leaving.

“There are ways for us to support them. It's as simple as going to a restaurant in Lajpat Nagar run by Afghan refugees. These ways don't require us to do much. All we have to do is share the word and respect their culture.”