POL-E KHOMRI CITY (SW) – Lack of a stable market for businesses has put several female entrepreneurs in Baghlan province in dire straights.
These women cite the lack of stable employment opportunities, rising electricity costs and rent fees as major challenges. They urge officials to establish a stable market for women’s handicrafts to support their endeavors.
Zarmina Azimi, manager of the “Naw Bahar” restaurant, and Shirin Mohammadi, manager of the women’s handicraft factory in Pol-e Khomri, center of Baghlan province, have provided employment opportunities for dozens of women. They highlighted the decline in their market compared to two years ago, stressing the need for financial and non-financial support to thrive.
“When we participate in trade fairs, we want a permanent exhibition for us, not just a two or three-day event. Someone who hears about a three-day fair runs out of time, and our goods do not sell. We also need marketing support to sell our products consistently,” said Zarmina.
Shirin also stated, “We ask the government to assist us by including us in their projects. A little support can go a long way. Currently, we pay 10,000 Afghanis in rent for the restaurant. If we receive support, we can create more opportunities for women to work without hindrance.”
On the other hand, some apprentices and employees in various economic sectors urge Islamic Emirate officials to provide work opportunities for women to cover their living expenses.
Tamana, an apprentice in the restaurant industry in Pol-e Khomri, says: “Our economic condition was dire. Now we work hard here, and we get paid for our efforts. With this money, I buy stationery for my children and support my family. We demand support for our restaurants and women to work without obstacles.”
Similarly, Arezo, an apprentice in one of the handicraft factories in Pol-e Khomri city, expresses, “My wish for all young ladies is not to give up and strive to improve their lives. Even if it is from scratch, they should try to succeed. There should be seminars on marketing to better equip apprentices.”
Officials at the Directorate of Information and Culture of Baghlan, assure that they will address the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the province.
Ezat Mir Haqani, the cultural and tourism officer of the Directorate, states that a three-day trade fair for women’s handicrafts will be held in the province soon.
“We support the work of female entrepreneurs and have discussed projects with aid organizations and institutions. Women with handicrafts will be showcased nationally and even internationally, and we urge national traders to purchase from Baghlan and promote women’s handicrafts globally,” he added.
Since the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate government in Afghanistan, many girls and women have turned to work in the handicraft sector and small-scale economic activities due to lack of education, schooling, and diverse job opportunities. However, the absence of a suitable market has hindered significant growth in their activities.
