Afghanistan Peace CampaignSediqa Tofan, a political science and international relations student in Kabul, is now working as a vendor in one of Kabul’s markets.
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries told TOLOnews that over 2,500 female entrepreneurs have received business licenses in the past three years, and more than 130,000 other women are currently operating without licenses.
Nazanin Ahmadzai, the spokesperson for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that the chamber is committed to supporting female entrepreneurs.
“In general, women are active in nine sectors, including agriculture, livestock, health, industry, logistics, and services,” the spokesperson for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries said.
Meanwhile, several women who have started small businesses over the past three years are urging the interim government to support women in various sectors across the country.
Sediqa Tofan, a political science and international relations student in Kabul, is now working as a vendor in one of Kabul’s markets.
Speaking about her business, she told TOLOnews, “I started working with very little capital, but with the support of women and my friends, we managed to get into business, have a shop, and sell products made by Afghan women.”
Sanam, another shopkeeper, told TOLOnews, “If a girl from a family works, she can take a lot of burden off her father’s shoulders and also reduce her own problems.”
Lack of capital and markets are considered the most significant challenges facing female vendors. The women, who work from dawn to dusk to support their families, are calling on the interim government to support small businesses.
Najma Hussaini, a shopkeeper, told TOLOnews, “When girls work, it helps reduce poverty in families and society.”
Earlier, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said that it had supported 75,000 women-led businesses over the past two years.