Taliban restrictions push women in Herat to start small businesses

Taliban restrictions on women's employment have prompted many women in Herat who previously worked in government offices, institutions, and private companies to launch small businesses. These include tailoring, selling clothes, producing handicrafts, and making homemade food items as a means to support their families.

Women who lost their jobs report facing multiple obstacles in sustaining or growing these ventures. Key challenges include a lack of capital, reduced purchasing power among the public, unsuitable market conditions, and an absence of external support. Current earnings from these activities often fall short of covering family expenses.

The United Nations Development Programme has noted that trade represents one of the few remaining income options available to Afghan women. It has also stated that the increase in businesses run by women does not reflect expanded economic opportunities.