Women-led business in Afghanistan empowers hundreds

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — In central Afghanistan’s Parwan province, about 64 kilometers north of Kabul, a women-led clothing and handicraft business is giving Afghan women economic independence. 

The company, Almas, was founded six months ago by five entrepreneurial women with an initial investment of 220,000 afghanis ($3,136).

Currently, 150 women are engaged in making clothes for women and children, as well as producing handicrafts. According to Salam Watandar, the initiative has provided a lifeline for many women, including students and school dropouts, who are now gaining professional skills.

Fazila Sadat, one of the company’s founders, says the initiative is not only a business but also a training hub.

“In addition to producing clothing, we provide vocational training with 150 apprentices and 10 instructors. Our products include Afghan-style gowns, party dresses, children’s clothing, and handcrafted items like tablecloths, beadwork, and graphic designs,” she explained.

Sadat said that with financial backing from government and international organizations—through marketing opportunities, exhibition access, and modern equipment—the company could expand to other provinces.

“Our products are not only sold in the Jabal al-Siraj market in Parwan but also in Kabul and even internationally. We hope for exhibition opportunities to showcase our work to a global audience,” she added.

For many of these women, Almas is more than just a workplace. It serves as a refuge, offering a space to focus on their craft while escaping the stress and pressures of everyday life.

Bahara Karimi, one of the apprentices, says working with entrepreneurial women has given her direction and hope. “This company has had a profound impact on our mental well-being. We urge the government to support us financially so we can grow and present our products worldwide,” she said.

Another apprentice, Fatima Rahmani, shared that her experience at Almas has not only helped her overcome depression but also sparked her ambition to one day start her own business.

“Our goal is for Afghan people to embrace locally made clothing instead of imported goods. We ask the government and women’s organizations to help us. I speak on behalf of all apprentices when I say we dream of establishing a center like our mentors have,” she said.

According to the Parwan Directorate of Industry and Commerce, nearly 500 women entrepreneurs are currently working in production companies under its supervision.