Afghan Women Embrace Entrepreneurship for Survival and Empowerment

In recent years, Afghan women have faced significant challenges, particularly since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. With restrictions imposed on their education and employment, many women found themselves in dire situations, struggling to support their families. However, in the face of adversity, a remarkable shift has occurred: Afghan women are turning to entrepreneurship as a means of survival and empowerment.

One inspiring example is Zainab Ferozi, a 39-year-old woman from Herat. After witnessing the struggles of women in her community, she decided to take action. With her savings of 20,000 Afghanis (approximately $300), she started a carpet weaving business. Today, she employs around a dozen women who lost their jobs or had to abandon their education due to the Taliban's restrictions. Ferozi proudly states that her business not only supports her family of six but also provides income for other women in need.

Before the Taliban takeover, women constituted 26 percent of public sector workers, a number that has now plummeted to nearly zero, according to UN Women. The situation has been described as "gender apartheid," with girls and women banned from secondary schools and universities. Despite these challenges, women like Ferozi and Touba Zahid, a 28-year-old mother from Kabul, are finding ways to create opportunities for themselves and others. Zahid began making jams and pickles in her home basement after being forced to leave university. She aims to provide job opportunities for women, ensuring they can earn an income to meet their immediate needs.

However, the road to entrepreneurship is not without obstacles. While women are producing goods, the retail market remains predominantly male-dominated. Saleswomen often cannot promote their products in bazaars due to societal restrictions. Fariba Noori, chairwoman of the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI), highlights the additional challenge of needing a "mahram"—a male family member—to accompany women when traveling to purchase raw materials. This requirement poses a significant barrier, especially for those who have lost male relatives due to decades of conflict.

Despite these hurdles, the number of registered businesses with AWCCI has surged from 600 to 10,000 since the Taliban's return to power, primarily consisting of small, home-based enterprises. Noori expresses pride in the women who support one another in their quest for independence. Yet, many women still face economic hardship, with salaries ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 Afghanis not sufficient to cover living costs. Qamar Qasimi, who lost her job as a beautician, shares her struggle to make ends meet with her family of eight, emphasizing the stark difference in income compared to her previous work.

In addition to financial support, these businesses provide essential social spaces for women. Zohra Gonish, a 20-year-old entrepreneur, opened a women-only restaurant in Badakhshan province, creating a comfortable environment for women to relax and socialize. For many, work has become a source of purpose and fulfillment. Sumaya Ahmadi, a 15-year-old who joined Ferozi’s carpet company, found happiness and a sense of responsibility in her new role, helping her family while her brothers pursue their education.

The resilience and determination of Afghan women in the face of adversity are truly commendable. Their entrepreneurial spirit not only helps them survive but also fosters a sense of community and support among women. As they navigate the challenges imposed by the current regime, these women are not just building businesses; they are paving the way for a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and potential that lies within every individual, regardless of the circumstances they face.