Afghan women turn to entrepreneurship amid Taliban restrictions

Limitations often breed resilience and women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs, women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families.

After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghan women faced severe restrictions, including a ban on secondary education and a sharp decline in employment opportunities.

Prior to the takeover, women accounted for 26 per cent of public sector workers, a number that has since dwindled to near zero.

Amid this economic and social turmoil, many Afghan women have turned to entrepreneurship as a way to support their families and regain independence.

For example, Zainab Ferozi, who invested her savings into a carpet weaving business in Herat, now employs a dozen women who lost jobs or were forced to abandon their education due to Taliban policies.

Qamar Qasimi, a worker at carpet weaving company talked to AFP and I quote, “When I worked in a beauty salon, it was very good. The pay was also good, for example, we could earn 3,000 to 5,000, 6,000 or 7,000 ($100) afghanis for a single bride, but here, if we work for a whole month, we don't earn that much. For example, if we work a lot, we earn 5,000 afghanis a month, no more. There's absolutely no comparison."

Sumaya Ahmadi, a worker also shares her insights with AFP and said, "When I was at home, I was very depressed and angry. I couldn't stay at home. When Mrs. Ferozi (the manager of the company she works for) set up this workshop, I came here and was able to work. (now) I'm very happy and I no longer have any mental health problems. I'm happier and I feel better."

The rise in female entrepreneurship is notable.

The Afghanistan women’s chamber of commerce and industry reports a dramatic increase in businesses since the Taliban’s takeover, with registered businesses growing from 600 to 10,000, many of them small, home-based operations.

Women like Touba Zahid, who started making jams and pickles after being forced to abandon her university education, are not only creating job opportunities but also contributing to the economy.

While these businesses offer financial relief, the challenges remain.

For instance, salaries for women working in these enterprises are often low, ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 afghanis per month, insufficient to cover all living costs.

Fariba Noori, the chairperson of board of Afghan women chamber of commerce told AFP, "The market for women is not good, we don't have any saleswomen who could go to the bazaar to work for other women and do marketing for women so that their products sell. Before the return (of the Taliban to power), women used to do marketing and sell their products. But that's no longer the case."

Yet, the work has provided these women with more than just a financial lifeline. Many reports gaining a sense of purpose and mental well-being, as work has become a way to support their families and contribute to the future of younger generations.

(With inputs from AFP)