The UN Women section has recently stated that despite the restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities, Afghan women and girl entrepreneurs are expanding their businesses.
In a report released today (Tuesday, September 22), the organization said that women and girl entrepreneurs in Afghanistan are growing their activities in export markets in South Asia and the Gulf region.
UN Women further emphasized: “Despite increasing restrictions and economic instability, Afghan women and girl entrepreneurs, through resilience, vision, and determination, are seizing regional trade opportunities and continuing to grow their businesses.”
A 32-year-old entrepreneur from Herat told UN Women: “I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to represent my business in another country. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was proof that Afghan women can thrive anywhere.”
According to the report, this woman manages the Afghan food industry company “Chashni,” which was established after the return of the de facto authorities to power and is engaged in the production of saffron and food spices.
She further added: “We purchase one kilogram of high-quality saffron from Herat farmers for up to 97,000 Afghanis and sell it for around 120,000 Afghanis.”
The UN Women report also noted that due to shrinking employment opportunities, many women and girls are seeking alternative ways to sustain their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, since their return to power, the de facto authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions on women’s work and activities outside the home, virtually depriving them of social life.
They have also banned women and girls from education. In their latest restriction, they closed medical institutes to female students, even as Afghanistan’s health sector faces a shortage of personnel.
This move has left millions of schoolgirls deprived of education.
In addition, women have been barred from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in national and international NGOs as well as UN offices in Afghanistan.
