Thirteen years ago, Zulaykho Majidova lost her sight completely. However, today, she is the head of a sewing workshop at the Shifobakhsh Hospital in Dushanbe — and a source of inspiration for dozens of women across the country.
Originally from the Fayzabad district, Zulaykho’s life took a drastic turn more than three decades ago when her vision began to fail. After an unsuccessful operation, she became fully blind. Even consultations with doctors in Russia could not reverse the damage — specialists confirmed that her condition was irreversible.
But Zulaykho refused to surrender to darkness.
In the face of immense personal loss, she chose to create. She learned how to sew, weave, knit, and even craft jewelry — turning her hands into her new eyes, and transforming grief into artistry.
“I don’t feel disabled. Despite my limitations, I’ve always strived to learn new skills. Craftsmanship earned me respect and helped me survive. When I’m sewing or weaving, the pain of blindness fades,” Zulaykho says.
Skeptics once doubted her abilities, questioning whether someone blind could truly master the art of tailoring. But over time, her precision and elegance silenced all doubts. Many are now stunned to learn she is visually impaired — her work is that meticulous.
Today, Zulaykho leads the sewing department at Shifobakhsh Hospital. Over the years, she has trained dozens of young women, passing on not only skills but the confidence to believe in themselves.
Married and a mother of one, she proudly says that, despite her condition, she has always served her community with dignity.
Zulaykho Majidova’s story is not just one of personal resilience — it is a testament to human willpower, creativity, and the ability to overcome adversity. Her hands continue to stitch not just fabric, but hope.
