Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 18th April. UNDP released a new mreport on Wednesday has found that despite facing formidable challenges, women-owned and run businesses in Afghanistan continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, serving as vital pillars of economic stability and hope amidst adversity.
UNDP report Listening to Women Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, Their Struggle and Resilience, analyzes data collected over the last three years, providing one of the most detailed views into the changing circumstances of women entrepreneurs in the country.
Kanni Wignaraja, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific said “Women entrepreneurs have demonstrated incredible grit, boldness, and resourcefulness under the most dire of conditions.”
The research revealed that Afghanistan’s women entrepreneurs face a range of hurdles and high costs while doing business.
The report showed that deepened discrimination and operational constraints, coupled with a severely weakened financial system, forced 41 per cent of the over 3,000 women surveyed into debt.
Three quarters of respondents reported severe movement restrictions, such as not being able to travel even to local markets without a mahram (a male chaperone).
Only five per cent reported having received loans via banks or microfinance institutions.
According to UNDP, In Afghanistan, a total 15.8 million people are food insecure and the employment rate for working age female members has halved to six per cent since last year, women are finding ways to tackle the challenges.
It said that entrepreneurship has surfaced as a lifeline for women and their families.
The report noted that that 80 per cent of women-led enterprises rely on their business revenues as their primary source of income.
Women-run businesses also create much-needed job opportunities for other women.
UNDP and its partners supported 75,000 micro and small businesses, together have created employment opportunities for more than 900,000 individuals who in turn provide support to their families.
Stephen Rodriques, UNDP Resident Representative in Afghanistan said “Women have long been the driving force behind the welfare of households in Afghanistan and play a crucial role in sustaining local economies.”
He added that the agency continues to amplify their voices and highlight the benefit of investing in women.
“Their courage and resilience in overcoming the odds tell a compelling story of fortitude and hope. They need international support, and this report provides additional insights on how we can support them. The future of Afghanistan depends on them,” he emphasized.
