Businesswomen at a handicrafts exhibition in the northwestern province of Herat say that business is resuming again in recent months. With the reduction of restrictions on women’s activities, a number of women and girls working in the handicrafts sector say they have returned to their jobs.
“Women make a huge contribution in improving the economic situation of the family and the country,” said Nasima Hashimi, an organizer of the exhibition. “We have worked hard not to destroy the handicrafts sector, we are working hard to make it flourish again,” said Zainab Mohammadi, a participant at the exhibition.
“We have a lot of production, but we have not had that many sales so far,” said Latifa Jaghori, a participant.
Handicrafts such as weaving, embroidery, graphic embroidery, carpet weaving and miniature and painting are displayed and sold are being sold at this exhibition.
Some visitors to the fair say that the role of women in the economy is crucial and the Islamic Emirate should provide them more opportunities.
“The situation and environment should be provided in such a way that women should not stay at home again, because they worked for a lifetime and should not go home.
They should come and show their art to the community,” said Masoumah Faqiryar, a visitor. “Women should not stay at home, women are half of society,” said Layeqa Haidari, a fair visitor.
The exhibition is open to visitors for three days. The handicrafts of more than fifty business women and girls are on display at the exhibition in Herat. Most of these women and girls are IDPs and have returned from neighboring countries. They say that after learning the technical and vocational courses they were able to make these handicrafts.
Hundreds of women and girls work in the handicrafts sector in Herat.
The works of these women used to reach even the European and American markets, but now they are limited to selling products in Herat.—Tolo News
