SÜVEYDA XORASANİ

Bojnord- Women living in rural areas of Iran face many challenges although they play an important role in their family and society. They receive no support and face poverty.

A handicraft exhibition was held in Bojnord, a city in Iran’s North Khorasan province, to support the women living in rural areas. Rural women had the opportunity to display their handmade products at the exhibition held from October 27 and October 28. Women living in rural areas of Kurdistan, Lorestan, Urmia (West Azerbaijan Province) and Tabriz (East Azerbaijan Province) displayed their products at the exhibition.

 ‘I participate in exhibitions held in other provinces’

Meryem Saedi, one of the rural women who participated in the exhibition, displayed her handicrafts and hand woven rugs at the exhibition. “For several years, I have been interested in the art of mirroring. I attended virtual courses to learn more about the art of mirroring. I have participated in exhibitions held in other provinces to display my products. Such exhibitions provide an opportunity for rural women to promote their handmade products because we, as rural women, cannot promote our products in villages.”

Speaking about the rental price of booths, she said, “I could have earned very well if we were not asked to pay for booths. The exhibition was held for only two days. Two days were insufficient for us to market our products. Many women visiting my booth told me that they wanted to learn the art of mirroring and how to weave carpets. Their interest in my products encourages me to keep working.”