Shaimagul Samadi shares a similar story. She says: “Before, I knew a little about herbs, but I didn’t know how to use them—what they are good for, what benefits they have, or how they work. Since I came here, I’ve learned how to use them properly.”
She adds: “Before coming here, my family’s financial situation was very weak, and I faced many mental health challenges. When I heard about the workshop, I joined and learned sewing in one year. By making clothes, I now have an income and can help my family. Most importantly, my mental health has improved.”
Following the political changes in Afghanistan, small businesses have emerged as a key source of hope for women seeking financial independence. Interviews with 23 women reveal that while many rely on small loans to sustain themselves, for some, these loans also bring economic and emotional stress.
Alina Tokhi says having girls in such jobs shows that women, like men, can do any kind of work. “I used to think this was only for men, but I realized any job men can do, women can do too,” she says.
Zarghona, 35 years old, mother of three children from Narang district in Kunar, transformed her life through a simple act: growing vegetables.
Many widows in Afghanistan who have lost their husbands for different reasons, face social pressure and even threats of losing their children to force them into marrying their late husbands’ relatives.
Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, has stated that if the current situation and the restrictions imposed by the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan continue, more than four million girls will be deprived of their right to continue their education.
Salam Watandar’s analysis of data on female murders and suicides in Afghanistan reveals that 92 cases were reported in the solar year 1403 (2023-2024), underscoring an ongoing crisis.
Despite widespread limitations imposed on women in Afghanistan, many have managed to continue their work across various sectors, even creating job opportunities for other women.
In a recent investigative report by Salam Watandar, 23 out of 26 women across 10 provinces of Afghanistan shared their harrowing experiences of being deprived of fundamental rights granted to them under Islamic law.
Following the collapse of the Republic and the sidelining of women in Afghanistan, numerous protests and advocacy efforts have taken place, including gatherings and international
Pio Smith, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has warned that the halt in U.S. financial aid
