Some Afghan women who returned to the country have started small businesses in tailoring, handicrafts, food processing and other fields after facing unemployment and economic hardship. Women interviewed by Salam Watandar cited limited markets, high raw-material costs and lack of equipment and capital as major obstacles.
IOM told Salam Watandar that it has supported 2,079 women-related businesses across Afghanistan, including 220 owned by returnee women. Support includes equipment, business maintenance, cash assistance, exhibitions and internships.