KABUL: The United Nations Development Programme has praised the economic resilience of Afghan women, saying many across the country are seeking income opportunities to support their families despite mounting challenges. In a recent statement, the United Nations Development Programme highlighted the work of women entrepreneurs in Herat province, noting that businesswomen such as Shabita are creating new jobs and expanding their enterprises with support from UNDP and its partner organisations. According to the agency, these women are particularly active in agriculture, most notably saffron processing as well as in handicrafts. Their activities not only strengthen household incomes but also provide employment opportunities for other women in their communities. UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to continuing support for Afghan women entrepreneurs under difficult conditions, aiming to help them achieve self-reliance through sustainable businesses. This comes at a time when women across Afghanistan face severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, which have severely limited their access to work and education. In the constrained environment, initiatives led by women such as Shabita are widely seen as powerful examples of resilience and resistance.
