Women’s Financial Wellness Workshop at Salaam Food Pantry

In June 2025, Salaam Food Pantry welcomed a new kind of gathering: a four-week, in-person financial wellness class designed specifically for Dari-speaking women. In partnership with Narika, a nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic violence, the workshop aimed to give women the tools and knowledge to take control of their financial futures.

Each Wednesday evening, a group of women came together to learn, share, and grow. They explored key topics like budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and online safety. The course was offered in Dari and Hindi, ensuring that language was never a barrier.

“These workshops are designed to help participants understand the importance of financial literacy,” said Jayati Sinha, Senior Economic Empowerment Advocate at Narika. “We focus on giving women the knowledge and tools to become economically self-sufficient.”

Malalai, Narika's SEED support, conducted the workshop in Dari to explain to the participants about everyday money skills such as budgeting, tracking expenses, navigating banking systems, and breaking down the complexities of credit and understanding online safety.

Malalai recalled how invested the women were from the very beginning. “They were genuinely excited to learn about financial wellness and none of them missed a single class,” she said. “Over the four weeks, we saw real growth, and by the end, it felt like we were part of a real family. It was clear that they felt more comfortable with the topic and with us as well.”

This sense of trust and community was just as valuable as the lessons themselves. The participants shared a common goal: to build more secure, independent lives for themselves and their families. By the final session, many had gained the confidence to talk openly about money, ask questions, and set realistic goals for the future.

As the final session wrapped up, it was clear the program had left a lasting impact. The financial tools these women gained are the first steps toward confidence and long-term empowerment. Pantry is committed to supporting our community in every aspect, from food access to education and community. This workshop proves that when women are given the right resources in the right environment, they can begin to change their circumstances and the futures they envision.

Asiya Siddiqui
Salaam Food Pantry Youth Ambassador