Creating opportunities for Afghan women through employment and economic empowerment

In today’s context, many women remain excluded from work, and the impact goes far beyond income. When women gain employment and a livelihood, families benefit through improved stability, stronger relationships, and greater peace of mind, while their confidence helps them better manage daily responsibilities and positively influence their children and communities.

At ActionAid, we prioritize women’s economic empowerment. We support women to become entrepreneurs, connect to markets and trade opportunities, and participate in regular exhibitions where they can showcase their products and build business connections with traders at national and international levels.

At the Farmers Festival and the 34th Agricultural and Livestock Products Exhibition recently held in Badam Bagh, Kabul, ActionAid facilitated the participation of three women entrepreneurs alongside male participants. They proudly presented their agricultural products and handicrafts, interacted with visitors, and conducted business deals. These efforts helped SMEs and farmers from ACRP-targeted districts expand market linkages: 85 deals were facilitated, resulting in 4 contracts signed and 214 kg of high-value products and handicrafts sold, worth 2,617,900 AFN. Participants also gained business-to-business connections and support for financial and export opportunities

Aziza, a female participant, shared: “For me, this was more than an exhibition. It was my first time presenting my work and making sales directly. I felt proud, hopeful, and more confident about my future.”

ActionAid, Afghanistan remains committed to supporting platforms that strengthen agribusiness, enhance market linkages, and promote sustainable livelihoods.