Meet 9-year-old Zymal, Pakistan’s youngest social entrepreneur

Zymal Umar with the environmentally-friendly bags she makes. Photo credit: Mustafa Sahara.

Nine-year-old Zymal Umar is the founder of an inspiring social project in Pakistan called Zee Bags – an endeavor that not only aims to help the underprivileged but also the environment.

In an attempt to clear the streets of her home city, Sargodha, of plastic bags, Zymal decided to start making reusable bags using old newspapers.

She has sold hundreds of bags, using the profits to buy essential items for underprivileged children housed at a local non-profit.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zymal recalled a shopping trip with her parents three years ago that first planted the idea in her head. Distracted by the sight of plastic bags on the streets, she was taken over by feelings of disappointment and thoughts about the harmful repercussions of plastic pollution.

One of Zymal’s bags.

Then all of a sudden, serendipitously, her attention was caught by a shopkeeper handing out newspaper bags to his customers. Deeply inspired by the idea, Zymal decided to take action and make a desired change.

Since then, Zymal has managed to sell hundreds of bags, used her profits to buy essential items for underprivileged children housed at a local non-profit, and make contributions to other charitable foundations.

Zymal says she finds fulfillment and enjoyment in the work she does. She puts in a lot of effort into each of her pieces, decorating the bags with different stones and flowers. She says her parents have been her greatest support, turning her ideas turn into reality.