In Afghanistan, women are finding innovative ways to earn a living despite the restrictive employment laws imposed by the Islamic Emirate since 2021. The Taliban’s prohibitions on women’s employment, based on religious principles, have sparked a surge in female entrepreneurship, with many women starting their own businesses to balance faith, family, and survival.
Street vendors such as Nargees and Humaira illustrate a quiet shift happening across the country. They sell traditional food, like bolani, on the streets, earning a living and supporting their families. Women are also succeeding in the retail sector, opening shops that sell handmade ethnic dresses and jewelry. Former NGO, university, and office employees—Seema, Sakeena, and Farah—have turned to entrepreneurship, creating a new sense of purpose and income. Needa, the owner of a beauty parlor, has faced challenges from the religious police but continues to operate, taking calculated risks to sustain her business.
Young women like Diana Ekhlasi are making a mark online, using social media to sell handmade items such as tote bags and headscarves inspired by Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. Despite online criticism, Diana remains determined, testing new ideas with her followers and building a brand that blends traditional roots with modern tools. She sums up the spirit of many Afghan women: “Instead of waiting for opportunities, we can create them.”
The Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI) has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives. It issues licenses, provides training, and organizes exhibitions. According to Salma Yousufzai, AWCCI’s CEO, the total number of female entrepreneurs exceeded 100,000 in 2023. These stories demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of Afghan women, who are creating opportunities in the face of adversity. The AWCCI’s support and the growth of female entrepreneurship highlight the potential for women to drive economic change and empower themselves, even in the most challenging environments.
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