Ghazni Officials Plan Women-Only Handicraft Market with UNHCR Support

Women handicraft producers in Ghazni province are suffering losses due to the lack of a dedicated marketplace for their products, despite crafting a wide range of items including traditional Afghan clothing, bridal outfits, caps and handbags.

Hazrat Musa Abu Mansour, head of the Ghazni Department of Commerce and Industry, stated that plans are underway to construct a women-only market near the Bazzazi area on two jeribs of land, with support from the UNHCR. He noted that hundreds of women in the province are engaged in handicraft production but are hindered by the absence of a proper market.

Several meetings have been held for the project, involving the UNHCR, provincial administration, Department of Commerce and Industry, municipality and Department of Refugees.

Local artisans Mursal and Anisa highlighted the challenges they face in selling their goods without a dedicated space. Analyst Dr. Masood Pashtoon emphasized the potential economic benefits of such a market for women producers.

The initiative aims to provide a dedicated venue to help these women reduce losses and expand their sales opportunities.