In partnership with the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation, Cordaid is supporting women across Afghanistan to build lasting economic independence through a blend of financial support, training, and community-based savings initiatives.
The project, part of the Just Future programme, supports women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and members of Village Savings and Loan Associations by combining grants with business development and capacity-building.
From Savings Circles to Small Enterprises
In Jalalabad, women are learning to manage savings and small loans, equipping themselves with practical business and financial skills. These training sessions not only strengthen participants’ financial literacy but also give them the confidence to invest in income-generating activities.
One participant shared her ambition to take out a group loan to purchase sewing machines and train two other women in her neighbourhood, turning collective savings into skills, jobs, and renewed hope.
Similar stories are unfolding in Kabul, Nangarhar, and Bamyan, where dozens of women entrepreneurs have recently received financial grants to expand their small businesses. With new resources, they are investing in equipment, materials, and services that enhance production and strengthen their livelihoods.
Beyond funding, the initiative offers training in business management, market access, and leadership. As a result, women’s savings groups are becoming more organised, enterprises are expanding, and female entrepreneurs are taking on greater leadership roles within their communities.
A Platform for Visibility and Growth
This progress was on full display earlier this month, when the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock hosted a national exhibition of women’s products and handicrafts at Kabul’s Badam Bagh Garden. Held from 1 to 4 October 2025, the event showcased work from across the country, highlighting both the artistry and entrepreneurial drive of Afghan women.
‘The exhibition was a great opportunity to showcase our products and connect with new customers,’ said Najila Kohistani, owner of Kohistani Handicrafts. ‘It helped me introduce our handcrafted items, which are already doing well in the market. I am grateful for the grant support that played a key role in promoting and expanding my business.’
Cordaid secured 20 stalls for its participants, offering them a rare opportunity to present their creations to a broader audience. The exhibition provided not just direct sales but also invaluable exposure, with traders and customers expressing keen interest in future collaborations.
‘Through the savings group, I found the chance to grow my business, teach other women, and connect with real markets,’ said Ms Soughra, owner of Hassani Handicraft. ‘At the exhibition, I sold my handmade traditional clothes, the cultural attire of the Hazara community, for the first time and made a good profit. Now, I have buyers from other provinces of the country, including Ghazni, Kabul, and Zadran Market.’
Building a Just Future
By helping women move from saving within their communities to running successful enterprises and reaching national markets, the project demonstrates the powerful impact of combining financial access with capacity-building and visibility.
The initiative is part of Cordaid’s long-term commitment to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion in Afghanistan. It is designed not only to meet immediate economic needs but also to lay the foundations for sustainable growth, dignity, and independence.