Jalalabad, Afghanistan ― July 21, 2010 ― Families in rural Afghanistan face significant challenges securing steady jobs and steady income. The primary industry in Eastern Afghanistan is agriculture with only seasonal and temporary job opportunities for most men. Decades of war and conflict have compounded the situation. As a result, women have had to find ways to supplement their husbands’ incomes despite their limited opportunities to learn new vocational skills and the cultural obstacles women face in the workforce.

To empower the most vulnerable women in Eastern Afghanistan, USAID’s Strategic Provincial Roads (SPR) program awarded a grant to provide training in tailoring and literacy to disenfranchised women to build their capacity and enhance their businesses. This program was designed in order to ensure the sustainability of provincial roads by developing the local communities along these rehabilitated roads routes.

With the support of the Directorate of Women’s Affairs from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, this grant will improve the economic condition of 630 vulnerable women in Eastern Afghanistan. By providing literacy classes and improving women’s skills in tailoring, embroidery, carpet weaving, food processing and Patto weaving, women can produce quality goods for sale.

On June 30, 2010, 50 successful program participants showcased their newfound skills and goods to 145 Afghan and international customers in Jalalabad City. The growth in participants’ business capacity was highlighted in their ability to provide a variety of products for their customers.

“This crafts exhibition is a symbol of progress for women,” said the Director of Women’s Affairs. “After a few months of vocations trainings from USAID, they learned the basics of business and now have the ability to make products that people want and need. They are now a part of the business community.”

With growing capacity, and confidence, women will be able to expand their businesses once rehabilitated roads are completed, paving the way to new markets in Eastern Afghanistan.