Ghor Province has a long tradition of handicrafts, particularly khamak embroidery, and is considered one of Afghanistan’s important centers for this traditional art. Deeply rooted in local culture and customs, khamak embroidery not only reflects the province’s cultural heritage but also serves as an important source of income, helping many women achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Khamak embroidery, known for its colorful threads and traditional geometric motifs, has long been practiced by women across Ghor. In recent years, interest in the craft has grown significantly among young women and girls.
Roqia, a 25-year-old woman from Dawlat Yar District in Ghor Province who sews and produces khamak-embroidered items, says that women’s interest in the craft has increased and that their products are now reaching markets in Kabul and Herat. She says,
“In recent years, more girls and women have become interested in learning khamak embroidery. Each month, we prepare several sets of local embroidered clothing, which we send to customers in Kabul and Herat.”
Maryam Wahedi, a 28-year-old from Firozkoh, the provincial capital of Ghor, who is also involved in sewing and producing local embroidered clothing, says,
“The market is better than it was before, especially when we take part in exhibitions and local markets. Some customers contact us through Facebook or WhatsApp to order Khamak-embroidered clothing and handkerchiefs. However, with greater government support, we could also export our products to international markets.”
Despite this progress, the industry still faces several challenges. Sakina, a 30-year-old woman from Taywara District, says that the lack of a permanent marketplace and limited access to high-quality raw materials are among the main problems.
“One of our biggest problems is the lack of a permanent market and raw materials. Sometimes we cannot find high-quality thread, or its price becomes too high. We also do not have access to modern training and still lack information about which designs are most popular in larger markets. If there were a support center for khamak embroidery in Ghor, it would greatly help,” she says.
On the other hand, economic experts emphasize the importance of expanding the market and addressing the challenges facing the khamak embroidery industry.
Juma Khan Osmani, an economic expert, says that the lack of permanent markets, shortage of high-quality raw materials, inadequate standard packaging, and limited access to larger markets are the main problems of this industry.
“The challenges are numerous. The absence of a permanent market for sales, difficulties in supplying raw materials such as high-quality thread, lack of standard packaging, and limited access to larger markets are among the main problems. Also, most women engaged in khamak embroidery work in remote areas need greater support and training,” he adds.
Local officials in Ghor also report growth in the industry. Nezamuddin Nezami, head of the press office of the Ghor Department of Industry and Commerce, expresses his happiness at the growth of the khamak embroidery industry and says that both production and sales have increased significantly over the past two years.
“Fortunately, increased public awareness of handicrafts and the organization of local and national exhibitions have contributed to the growth of khamak embroidery. Compared with two years ago, we have witnessed a 15 to 20% increase in the production and sale of khamak-embroidered products. Also, some traders are now exporting these products to other provinces,” he adds.
Based on a UN Women report published in January 2025, Afghan women continue to engage in income-generating activities and run small businesses despite social and economic challenges and restrictions.
Reporter: Mah Rokh Adel
