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UN: Taliban restrictions deal hefty blow to women's businesses in Afghanistan

Thursday, 30 March 2023 3:17 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 31 March 2023 2:29 AM ]

Rahmatullah Baghban
Press TV, Kabul

A new report by the UNHCR has revealed that women's businesses in Afghanistan are severely affected by the Taliban's increasing restrictions.

The report shows a sharp decline of women's participation in the labor market, from 28% to 7%, and the consequent impact on the Afghan economy. That is witnessing a 30-35% drop in GDP in the past two years.

Here in the Women's Market in Kabul, we spoke with some businesswomen who told us their stories of hardship and resilience amid the Taliban's limitations. They say they are losing customers and opportunities which are meant to develop their businesses.

Some of them have experienced a significant drop in their income, while others fear they may have to shut down their businesses soon.

Emphasizing the need for women's economic empowerment, UNHCR has called on the Taliban to respect and safeguard the rights to work and education for women. The agency has also appealed to the international community to sustain its support for humanitarian and development initiatives that benefit women and girls in Afghanistan.

The plight of Afghan businesswomen is just one example of how Afghan women are impacted by the Taliban restrictions. Now, it is a matter of time that whether the de facto authorities will change their policies against women.

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