Despite the dismal overall economic situation, there are more women entrepreneurs than ever before.
AISA or Afghanistan Investment Support Agency calculates a 58 percent increase in women-headed businesses in 2015, compared to the figure the previous year.
Despite the dismal overall economic situation, there are more women entrepreneurs than ever before.
AISA or Afghanistan Investment Support Agency calculates a 58 percent increase in women-headed businesses in 2015, compared to the figure the previous year.
Overall the odds are stacked against anyone doing business. The lack of a proper place for trade and production, high electricity rates, poor quality raw materials, lack of access to information about international markets and trade laws, insecurity and patriarchy are some of the challenges women face.
Killid interviewed a number of women entrepreneurs. Nasima Paiman, the manager of a company called Zarif Design that manufactures the national dress says the biggest worry at present is lack of security and uncertainties regarding the economy. “Security was fine in the beginning and we did not have many problems,” she recalls about the past. “Now the lack of security is a problem, fewer visitors come to Afghanistan and we have fewer customers. Our sales have decreased. In addition, local people have got poorer and have less money to spend.”
She wishes the government would support businesses like hers to find a steady market.
Bilqis who works in the leather-manufacturing company, Hashem Nayeem in Parwan province says the government is no help at all. “There is no chance of help from the government’s side,” she says. “The markets are completely down because of the economic situation. Sometimes we may participate in an exhibition. Otherwise there are no sales opportunities for our products,” she says in frustration.
Nafasgul Jami, general manager of Khadijatul Kubra Trade Centre in Herat is scathing about the government’s apathy. She says the government has time and again promised support. “Since I’m interested in women in the business sector, I can say that 80 percent are involved with arts and crafts. But they need support and encouragement,” she says. According to Jami, there are roughly 200 women who are members of business associations and unions in Herat province.
Self-made enterprise
Sidiqa Tamasuqi who heads Buniad Abrishum (foundation of silk) in Herat is very proud that she has built up the company to what it is today. “We have stood on our feet with our own efforts,” she says, “considering the market for selling our products is very limited and the price of electricity is very high.” She adds that she cannot pay the electricity dues and has sent six petitions to the president’s office regarding this problem, but there has been no reply.
Meanwhile, Zahra Nazari from Gawharshad in Bamyan counts the steep electricity costs and insecurity on the highways as the two most important concerns for women in business like her. She wishes the government would take their concerns seriously. “Our achievements will come to nought otherwise,” she says.
The authorities in the Afghan Chamber of Commerce & Industries have also requested the government to create more conducive conditions for women entrepreneurs. Mirjan Popal who is in-charge of the exports and industries development department at the chamber is all praise for the achievements of women in business. The government could provide them with more help, Popal says. “Women entrepreneurs need long-term loans so they can invest in business and also marketing.”
Musafer Quqandi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce and Industries told Killid they were aware of the problems regarding marketing that businesswomen face.
“We are planning to hold a day bazaar next month, with the help of aid agencies, where women can sell their products free of cost. If this works out well, we will implement this in the provinces too,” he said.
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