KABUL (SW) – Findings from Salam Watandar based on interviews with 22 women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan reveal that, despite numerous challenges, these women have been able to expand their small and home-based businesses and achieve notable success.
These women, who are active in fields such as tailoring, poultry farming, weaving, and online business, have been able to significantly increase their income with little or no financial support from government or non-governmental organizations, starting with minimal investments and personal effort.
18 out of the 22 women entrepreneurs surveyed started their businesses with personal loans, without receiving any financial support, and are now playing a key role in improving the economic situation of their families and communities.
They believe that with support from the government and the public, they could dominate large portions of the domestic market and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Qudsia, a 23-year-old resident of Kabul, who has been working as a tailor for three years, says that with inner strength and positive motivation, she was able to thrive without financial backing. “Initially, I was an apprentice, but then I decided to start my own business. I never approached any government or private institutions. Why should I always rely on others for money and help? When I decided to start my business, I also decided to stand on my own feet. Now, with the income I have, I can help myself and my family,” she shared.
Fawzia, 35, from Kabul, recalls the early stages of her online business, stating that despite the challenges and lack of experience, she managed to succeed. “When I first started my online business, I didn’t have the skills. I made several mistakes due to my inexperience and didn’t know marketing techniques. I faced many difficulties, but I learned from each experience and mistake. I decided that no matter what, I had to push my work forward, and I have never asked for help from any government or private institution.”
Nadia, a 20-year-old from Badakhshan, says that after recent political changes in Afghanistan, she started a poultry farm with minimal capital but through relentless efforts, she expanded her business and reduced her economic problems. “I started with 3,000 afghanis, which I had borrowed, and now my capital has grown to 50,000 afghanis. I am trying to increase my capital, and with the little income I earn, I am able to help myself and my family.”
Mahdia, a 19-year-old from Balkh, says she has achieved a sustainable source of income through decorative embroidery, tailoring, and handcrafts, accumulating 80,000 afghanis in capital. “I started with a very small capital, only 1,000 afghanis, which I had borrowed from my friends, and gradually expanded. Now, I earn enough to cover my living expenses. This work is a hobby for me during my free time, and not only do I earn a good income, but it has been beneficial to both me and my family.”
However, some women’s rights activists argue that female entrepreneurs are the cornerstone of the country’s economic growth and could serve as role models for other women and girls who have been deprived of work and education.
Husna Raufi, a women’s rights activist, says: “The foundation of the private sector in Afghanistan rests on the entrepreneurship of these women. For example, the renowned Afghan carpets are the result of their hard work. Afghan clothing and countless other examples come from the creativity and labor of women. The self-sufficiency of Afghan women can serve as a model for those who see and witness their efforts. When girls who have been deprived of education see that women are still working and even becoming entrepreneurs, these role models not only affect girls but all activities in Afghan society.”
Meanwhile, some economic experts believe that women’s presence in various sectors of trade and industry not only helps improve family economic conditions but also contributes to the overall economic growth and creates more job opportunities in the country.
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, an economic expert, says: “Undoubtedly, it is impossible for a society to stand on its own without the participation of women. Women make up half of the population, and their participation in social, economic, political, and other spheres will enable the society to stand on its own. For economic growth, the government needs to support women traders and industrialists. The more the people and the government support women entrepreneurs, the more they will not only support their families but can also make a significant contribution to the country’s economic growth.”
Officials at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the de-facto government, although not providing exact statistics on the number of women entrepreneurs, state that they are supporting these women by creating business opportunities and organizing exhibitions in various sectors.
Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada, spokesperson for the ministry, says: “Thousands of women across the 34 provinces are working in various sectors of industry and investment. To support the growth of their investments, we allocate a significant space for them in all exhibitions, where they can both market their products and continue their businesses.”
Earlier, officials at the Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce had stated that over 9,000 women are working in various sectors of the private sector in the country. However, the lack of domestic and international markets, economic stagnation, and financial limitations have led to numerous challenges for these women.
