Banin

Banin’s story begins in Afghanistan, where she was born and lived until she was five years old. Her early years were shaped by the turmoil of war and the rise of the Taliban regime.

As Afghanistan became increasingly unsafe, Banin’s family fled to Pakistan, where they lived in a refugee camp. Conditions were harsh, and the family had no access to basic services such as education, healthcare, or even the ability to prove their legal status, making it difficult to live a normal life.

In the refugee camp, Banin’s life was marked by uncertainty, and her family struggled without support. The situation became even more challenging when Banin’s father had to make the difficult decision to travel to Pakistan illegally. For years, Banin’s family lived in limbo, hoping for a future beyond the camp. When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan again, Banin’s family was finally granted Australian visas, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The journey to Australia was not an easy one. Due to their lack of official documents, Banin’s family faced barriers when trying to travel safely. They had to make a difficult decision between travelling through Pakistan or Afghanistan, both of which were fraught with risk. Eventually, they arrived in Australia, but the initial transition was extremely difficult. Banin, who had left behind everything familiar, struggled to adapt to life in a new country where she had no friends, no community, and no support network.

After a year of isolation and difficulty settling into her new life, Banin’s sister found SisterWorks, helping her build confidence, develop new skills, and secure employment. This discovery would prove to be a pivotal moment for Banin and her family.

Banin enrolled in SisterWorks' warehousing program, where she learned essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, and specific job-related competencies. This training gave her the confidence and skills she needed to enter the workforce, something that seemed almost impossible when she first arrived in Australia.

With her new skills and a fresh sense of empowerment, Banin took a significant step forward by securing a job at L'Oréal in November. The transition from a refugee camp in Pakistan to working at one of the world’s most recognised beauty brands was nothing short of extraordinary.

At L'Oréal, Banin faced a new set of challenges. Initially, she struggled with feelings of loneliness and depression, but the supportive environment at L'Oréal helped her overcome these obstacles. She formed new friendships with colleagues across various departments, which significantly boosted her confidence. Banin mentioned that her first paycheck made her feel respected, both financially and socially, as it helped her build new relationships and gain a sense of belonging.

Within just five months, Banin’s confidence continued to grow, and she was entrusted with additional training in a new area of the company. Banin’s colleagues recognised her progress and encouraged her, noting how her newfound self-assurance had a positive impact on her work and her interactions with others.

Banin’s journey highlights the crucial role that SisterWorks played in her transformation. The mentorship, skills development, and community support provided by SisterWorks helped Banin gain the confidence and abilities she needed to succeed in the Australian workforce.

Through SisterWorks, Banin not only gained essential skills but also received emotional support, which played a vital role in overcoming the initial challenges she faced upon arriving in Australia. With the guidance and resources offered by SisterWorks, Banin was able to secure a meaningful job, build her confidence, and become an integral part of the L'Oréal team.

Today, Banin is an ambitious young woman who is excited about the future. With ongoing training at L'Oréal and a growing network of professional connections, Banin has the potential to go even further in her career.

Take the first step towards a brighter future and join the SisterWorks community today. Together, we can achieve your goals and help you thrive in your new environment.