Afghan Women Entrepreneurs Struggle Amid Taliban Restrictions

Women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan are reporting severe restrictions in exhibitions and marketplaces. These obstacles not only prevent them from participating in such events but also make it difficult for them to reach customers.

Afghan Women Entrepreneurs Face Taliban-Imposed Restrictions

Women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan are highlighting serious limitations affecting their participation in exhibitions and markets. They were unable to attend the first International Agriculture and Livestock Exhibition held in Kabul from August 11 to 16. One entrepreneur from Herat, who received an invitation, could not attend due to these restrictions.

In an interview with Radio Azadi, she mentioned, “This exhibition not only didn’t yield results for me but also left me in debt.” She had to send her brother to Kabul to market her products, but ended up accumulating more debt instead.

Significant Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs at Exhibitions

The Taliban’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock signed 74 agreements worth over $200 million during the exhibition. Meanwhile, around 500 companies from various countries, including Iran and Turkey, showcased their products. However, ministry spokespersons did not respond regarding the inclusion of women at the exhibition.

Women entrepreneurs express that restrictions on male customers visiting women’s sales areas have also limited their business opportunities. One woman explained, “We started a saffron trade, but buying and selling between women and men has been prohibited.”

Decline in Women’s Workforce Participation in Afghanistan

The head of a carpet weaving workshop in Kabul stated that these restrictions have harmed access to international markets and diminished business opportunities. This workshop provides employment for 80 women and girls, but existing limitations hinder their participation in international exhibitions.

The Taliban government has imposed numerous restrictions on women’s economic and social activities, and according to the International Labour Organization, the participation rate of women in Afghanistan’s workforce has dropped to 5.1 percent. Currently, Afghanistan ranks as the country with the second-lowest rate of women’s workforce participation in the world.