By Fouzia Qazi, PM Work & Enterprise
“Those who once opposed me are now my clients. Villagers now bring their daughters to me for advice on how to start their own businesses.” — Abida Sharif, Founder of Kai Café
In the mountain village of Singhur in Lower Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where traditions run deep and change often comes slowly, one woman took a bold step that would inspire an entire community. Her name is Abida Sharif, and her story is one of courage, empowerment, and transformation.
From a small, welcoming setup to a growing business — Abida’s journey with Kai Café proves that courage and consistency can change lives.
For years, Abida carried a dream that seemed impossible in her surroundings — to start a business of her own. Coming from a conservative family, she often heard that women’s place was at home, not in the marketplace. Yet she quietly held on to her determination to build something meaningful, earn respect through hard work, and prove that women, too, can lead.
Before venturing into business, Abida worked as a social mobiliser with an NGO. The job provided her a modest income but not the fulfilment she longed for. Her turning point came when she learned about the “START – اپنا کاروبار ” Programme of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), implemented under the Global Affairs Canada–supported BEST4WEER project. The programme helps youth and women transform business ideas into reality through training, mentorship, and small grants.
When Abida applied, her proposal surprised many: a café run by a woman in Chitral, something almost unheard of. Yet her confidence impressed the selection panel, and she was chosen. “It was a life-changing experience,” she recalls. “It gave me confidence to believe that I could really do this.”
Through START, Abida received a small grant and mentoring support in business planning and marketing. With this help, she launched Kai Café — named after the word ‘Kai’, meaning ‘sister’ — in Chitral’s main market. But starting out was far from easy. Finding a shop to rent became her first major hurdle, as many landlords refused to lease their spaces to a woman. Some even approached her father, questioning the idea of a woman running a café.
Despite the criticism, Abida remained firm. Her persistence gradually won over her parents, and her brothers began to support her. “My family’s support gave me strength,” she says. With their encouragement and AKRSP’s guidance, she opened her café — a small, welcoming space that soon became a symbol of possibility for women in Chitral.
As customers started visiting, curiosity slowly turned into appreciation. Her professionalism, quality service, and quiet confidence began to change perceptions in the community. Kai Café soon started receiving catering orders from offices and local events. What once seemed like an impossible dream began to thrive.
A modest start — now a growing enterprise, strengthened by the support of Accelerate Prosperity (AP).
Seeing her progress, Accelerate Prosperity (AP) — an AKDN initiative that supports emerging and growing businesses — extended support to help her expand. Today, Abida has opened a larger second branch near the Polo Ground in Chitral, managed by a small team of both men and women. With a steady income and a growing customer base, she also dreams of opening her third branch in Peshawar in the future.
Her journey has not been without struggles. From social resistance to legal challenges, Abida has faced it all. “I have even been to court to defend my work,” she says calmly. Through every difficulty, she remained patient and focused, letting her work speak for itself. Today, the same people who once doubted her now celebrate her as a community role model.
Reflecting on her transformation, Abida shares,
“When I worked as a social mobiliser, my decision-making was limited. I followed instructions and completed assigned tasks. But as an entrepreneur, I make my own decisions. I lead a team of 11 women and men, handle finances myself, and take full responsibility for my business. My income now covers rent, car expenses, staff salaries, and daily needs — and I still save a healthy profit. Most of what I earn, I reinvest in my café to help it grow.”
Abida continues to receive mentorship from AKRSP and AP, while also guiding other young women who wish to follow in her footsteps. “If I can do it, anyone can,” she says with quiet pride. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment — create your own. Stay strong, stay patient, and never lose faith in yourself.”
Today, Kai Café stands not just as a business but as a symbol of change — proof that persistence and hard work can challenge stereotypes and open doors for others. With family support and an unshakable spirit, Abida has shown that real empowerment begins when women believe in their own strength.
The flagship “START – اپنا کاروبار” Programme, implemented under the Global Affairs Canada–supported BEST4WEER project, has made significant progress across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Through intensive bootcamps, more than 4,152 individuals have received foundational training, 2,182 advanced to specialised training, and 2,164 pitched their ideas in competitions. As a result, 664 start-ups have received micro-grants, while 443 entrepreneurs continue to receive mentorship to strengthen and sustain their enterprises.
Acknowledgement: The author gratefully acknowledges Ms Faiza Hameed, Business Analyst – Chitral, for her kind assistance and timely provision of information.
