The International Labour Organization (ILO) in Afghanistan has announced that women’s participation in work programs not only creates job opportunities but also strengthens their economic and social resilience and empowerment.
In a message posted on its X account, the organization stated that locally-based approaches and community involvement can create a safe environment for women to participate in employment programs.
It further noted that the employment-focused investment program has aimed to provide job opportunities for women by combining inclusive hiring, community participation, creating conducive work environments, skill training, and establishing savings mechanisms.
The ILO in Afghanistan emphasized that women’s participation in these programs has led to enhanced economic and social empowerment. Through these activities, women have earned income, expanded their technical and entrepreneurial skills, and consequently increased their economic security and self-confidence.
Additionally, the ILO added that women’s presence in these programs has contributed to changing attitudes at the community level; sustained dialogues with the community, inclusive program implementation, and showcasing better achievements for families have led to reduced initial resistance and increased acceptance of women’s economic roles in society.
It is noteworthy that in recent years, several organizations and institutions have attempted to provide vocational training opportunities for women in remaining sectors. Following the ban on women’s work, poverty and hunger increasingly threaten families under the care of women in Afghanistan.
Despite these prohibitions, the ILO has previously launched educational and livelihood programs in some limited remaining sectors for women, enabling them to take advantage of the few available opportunities for education and work.
