افغان کاروباری خواتین کی کارکردگی مردوں سے بہتر: عالمی بینک

Despite facing numerous challenges, including strict regulations, societal restrictions, and limited market access, women-led businesses in Afghanistan have demonstrated better performance compared to their male counterparts, according to a recent report by the World Bank.

Background & Context

The report, which focuses on the business sector in Afghanistan, highlights the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs in the country. Despite the Taliban's takeover in 2021, which led to a decline in economic activity and a significant impact on the private sector, women-led businesses have continued to thrive.

The report's findings are significant, as they provide a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs in a country where the economy is heavily reliant on the private sector. The World Bank's report highlights the importance of supporting women-led businesses, not only for their economic contribution but also for their potential to drive social change and improve livelihoods.

Key Details

The report reveals that women-led businesses in Afghanistan have shown better performance in terms of sales, employment opportunities, and fixed assets compared to their male counterparts. According to the report, the sales of women-led businesses increased by 21% in 2025-2026, compared to a 14% increase for men-led businesses. Additionally, women-led businesses created 14% more employment opportunities, while men-led businesses created 11% more employment opportunities.

The report also highlights the significant increase in fixed assets for women-led businesses, which increased by 58% compared to men-led businesses. This suggests that women-led businesses are investing more in their operations and are more likely to adopt new technologies and innovations.

What Experts Say

Amna Khan, a communication officer at the Hashoo Foundation, which works with Afghan women entrepreneurs, provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women-led businesses in Afghanistan. According to Khan, women-led businesses are more likely to focus on producing items that cater to women's needs and preferences, such as clothing, jewelry, and other household items. This allows them to tap into the domestic market and cater to the needs of women who are more likely to purchase these items.

Khan also highlights the importance of social media in enabling Afghan women entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience and sell their products. "Many Afghan women entrepreneurs are using social media platforms to showcase their products and reach a wider audience," Khan explains. "This has been particularly helpful in enabling them to access new markets and customers."

Key Takeaways

• Women-led businesses in Afghanistan have shown better performance compared to their male counterparts in terms of sales, employment opportunities, and fixed assets.
• The sales of women-led businesses increased by 21% in 2025-2026, compared to a 14% increase for men-led businesses.
• Women-led businesses created 14% more employment opportunities, while men-led businesses created 11% more employment opportunities.
• Fixed assets for women-led businesses increased by 58% compared to men-led businesses.
• Women-led businesses are more likely to focus on producing items that cater to women's needs and preferences, such as clothing, jewelry, and other household items.

What This Means For You

The report's findings have significant implications for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in supporting women-led businesses in Afghanistan. By understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by women-led businesses, policymakers can develop targeted support programs to help them grow and thrive.

Entrepreneurs and individuals can also play a crucial role in supporting women-led businesses by providing them with access to finance, training, and mentorship. By doing so, they can help women entrepreneurs to overcome the challenges they face and achieve their full potential.

As the report highlights, women-led businesses are not only an economic opportunity but also a potential driver of social change and improvement in livelihoods. By supporting women-led businesses, we can help to create a more inclusive and equitable economy that benefits all members of society.