Afghan Refugee Seeks Creative Refuge Through OKC Art Gallery

June 25, 2024

Hasina Aimaq fled Afghanistan in the aftermath of the fall of Kabul in August 2021. At the time, she was 27 and deeply involved in her non-profit organization dedicated to women's economic empowerment. Her work focused on helping women set up small businesses, providing them with the means to achieve financial independence. However, the sudden upheaval in her homeland forced her to leave behind her life's work and seek refuge in Toronto, Canada.

Toronto, with its vibrant multicultural atmosphere, offers Hasina safety and new opportunities, but it also presents challenges. The high cost of living is always a concern, but Hasina's determination to continue her mission never wavers. She joined Catholic Charities Canada, where her skills and passion found a new outlet. Working in the refugee resettlement program, Hasina and her team of 20 staff members helped around 2,000 refugees rebuild their lives in Canada just last year.

Despite her success in Toronto, Hasina felt a persistent pull to do more for the women she left behind in Afghanistan. She had once collaborated with Susan McCalmont, an American friend, on a dream project to showcase Afghan women's handcrafted products to the world. This plan, initially halted by the crisis, found new life in Oklahoma, where Susan owns and manages the 1515 Lincoln Gallery.

Reuniting with Susan, Hasina saw a chance to revive their vision. They started working with 13 Afghan women, bringing their products and designs to Oklahoma. These items, ranging from jewelry and home accessories to hand-made clothing and pillowcases, were more than mere commodities. They were powerful expressions of the women's voices and stories, conveyed through their art amidst the restrictions that now bound them in Afghanistan.

"We are just a bridge to connect them with the world," Hasina often emphasized.

The pop-up shop at Susan's gallery this past weekend is a testament to their collective effort, showcasing Afghan craftsmanship and resilience. The proceeds from these sales went directly to the women, offering them financial support and a renewed sense of purpose.

“They cannot work outside because they are not allowed to and cannot go to school because the schools are closed,” Hasina reflects. “So, we were thinking there is only one way for them to communicate to the world: through their art. They are able to convey their messaging through their products.”

Through her designs and the connections she facilitates, Hasina is not just helping Afghan women earn a living; she is giving them a voice. Each handcrafted piece tells a story of resilience and hope, bridging the gap between the women in Afghanistan and the supportive community in Oklahoma.

Hasina's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the power of solidarity. She continues to be a beacon of hope, proving that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized, and lives can be transformed. Now 30, Hasina reflects on her journey with a mix of pride and humility and is excited about the future of her work with Susan.

“We are hoping we make this more comprehensive and have even more women on board to work with us,” Hasina says. “ We see people in Oklahoma are very supportive to the Afghans.”