In Afghanistan, many women are expected to shoulder the dual responsibilities of managing the household while also pursuing formal employment. A conversation with 30 women from various provinces who juggle both responsibilities reveals that these women face numerous challenges, including the lack of suitable daycare, limited opportunities for skill development, and working for very low wages.
Despite these obstacles, many women say they have not only persevered but have successfully managed both spheres by effectively planning their time and playing a key role in family management.
Serwat, 29, from Baghlan, and Nazakat, 25, from Balkh, both working women who dedicate between 4 to 7 hours daily to their jobs, explain that, despite the difficulties of managing dual responsibilities, they have been able to maintain a balance between work and life with proper planning.
“I have become accustomed to managing both home duties and my job, and fortunately, I can manage my time well. I take care of my home, my job, and myself,” said Serwat.
Nazakat also shares: “Managing both household duties and work is challenging, but it’s not as difficult as people might think because everything we do is based on a plan. According to the schedule I had set, I manage my work and home duties in balance.”
Sodaba, 28, from Kabul, a mother of two, highlights the lack of daycare at her workplace as one of her major challenges. She has to travel long distances daily to drop off her children at a distant daycare before heading to work. She considers on-site daycare a necessity and emphasizes that its absence causes significant difficulties for working mothers.
“The working hours of the daycare don’t align with my work hours, making it extremely difficult to balance both my job and care for my child,” Sodaba added.
Similarly, Nazila, 30, from Kabul, who balances household responsibilities and her teaching job, mentions that while her duties at home and work are extensive, her compensation is minimal. She emphasizes that to manage both sets of responsibilities, she has to reduce her daily rest time.
She says: “The biggest challenge is that we do the most work for the least pay. We have many responsibilities. As a wife, mother, and teacher, we must fulfill all of our duties. It’s overwhelming, and sometimes we must sacrifice our personal time to take care of family and work needs.”
Furthermore, the discussions with these women reveal that societal limitations, the lack of quality daycare for working women, low wages, and prevailing social and family norms have prevented them from fully developing their potential.
Khatera, 25, and Zainab, 29, both from Kabul, who have been managing both home and work responsibilities for years, express similar concerns.
Khatera says: “There are challenges because the workload at home is heavy, and we inevitably experience disruptions at work. The current societal limitations make it extremely difficult to find better job opportunities or improve our professional skills.”
Zainab adds: “I try to prioritize my tasks, but balancing these responsibilities is difficult because of daily pressures. I sometimes have to give up on my personal activities to meet the needs of my family and work.”
Despite these challenges, Tahmina Mangal, a women’s rights activist, emphasizes that women’s employment can have a significant impact on both family and community economies. She advocates for greater family and societal support, stating that creating more opportunities for women’s effective participation in the economy is essential.
She explains: “Women who work outside the home can also actively contribute to their family’s economy. They should be supported by their families and communities. Families need to understand the value of women’s work, provide encouragement, and offer continuous support. Society must acknowledge their abilities, understand their struggles, and provide support.”
Economic experts also assert that women’s participation in society plays a key role in economic growth and family support. They stress that women’s employment not only improves the economic status of their families but also contributes significantly to the country’s overall development.
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, an economic expert, says: “Women’s presence in society is vital for economic growth and family support. Through employment, women can support their families and play an essential role in national growth. Governments can implement supportive policies for women’s businesses, provide access to financial resources, and create safe work environments for women to excel.”
Simultaneously, Samiullah Ebrahimi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Islamic Emirate’s de-facto government, notes that efforts have been made to ease working conditions for women. According to him, some workplaces have daycare facilities, allowing women to work while their children are cared for, and women can also take leave if necessary.
He says: “In sectors where women are employed, services are available to make their work environment more convenient. Efforts have been made to eliminate mixed-gender workspaces, and women’s work environments are designed to be peaceful. The daycare program for women remains ongoing, with many facilities available in hospitals, and women are given the necessary time off when needed.”
Despite facing numerous challenges, Afghan women continue to strive to have an active role in both society and the economy. With equal opportunities, family and societal support, and proper facilities, they can make a more substantial contribution to society.
