TALUQAN (SW) – A number of female entrepreneurs and artisans in Faryab province have turned to online sales to expand their businesses and improve their income. These women report a significant increase in sales of their handmade products since adopting online platforms.
Munisa Qarizada, one such artisan who has trained 45 girls in tailoring, told Salam Watandar that selling the garments online has provided a good income for both her and her students. She added that support from the government and investors could further help women achieve financial independence.
“An entrepreneur can only progress with support from various NGOs and those who back the business sector. For the growth of our work, we need support from those working in this area. For example, we have many students who work for free; we need support to pay them at least some wages to keep them motivated to work with us and to progress in our business,” Munisa emphasized.
Some other female artisans in Faryab, also reported that after closing their physical stores, they turned to social media to sell their products and now earn a good income through this method.
Maria Elmi said, “Online markets have been very beneficial; it is a convenience. Since we started online sales, I have been able to work with clients in foreign countries and other provinces. We receive orders by phone for bridal dresses, bedspreads, household items, and various other things. Thanks to the current facilities, we can move forward using phones and other means.”
Another entrepreneur Nilofar added, “Online sales can be made outside our immediate vicinity because our contracts are with external buyers. Although the shipping cost is our responsibility, online orders are more cost-effective because we only add the shipping cost. Online sales make our products global, and when our sales are global, our marketing also strengthens.”
Rohullah, the Development Manager of Industrial Parks at the Faryab Directorate of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that the directorate has plans to raise awareness and create job opportunities for women.
He stated, “The Directorate, especially the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Islamic Emirate has agreements with several domestic and foreign institutions to support women and create jobs and handicrafts professions. The directorate plans to support businesswomen and provide them with work opportunities because women involved in handicrafts need financial support. This directorate plans to support women comprehensively through these institutions.”
According to the Faryab Directorate of Commerce and Industry, there are currently nearly 700 workshops operating in various fields such as embroidery, leatherwork, carpet weaving, and tailoring in the province.
