BAHARIN LEHIB

Bamyan- Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, women have been erased from all facets of life in the country, being deprived of their right to education and work.

Some of the women, who have been deprived of their right to work, are the breadwinners of their families and they struggle to support their families despite the Taliban’s restrictions against them. Some women have started their own business by taking advantage of few opportunities to provide financial support to their families.

Before the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, a bazaar exclusively for women in Bamyan was very active, however, the Taliban’s ban on women working has caused a decline in the sales at this bazaar. At the bazaar, some women have produced and sold traditional Afghan clothing, especially traditional clothing of Hazara women to financially support their families.

“I graduated from the university in 2020 and participated in the labor force for seven months,” said Kamele Ataei, one of the shopkeepers at the bazaar. “However, the Taliban has banned women from working since 2021. Therefore, I decided to open a shop at the bazaar to support my family. I opened this shop by borrowing money.”

When Kamele Ataei lost her job, she fell into a severe depression because she had to stay at home. “I opened this shop to cope with depression and inspire other women. When other women see me, they are encouraged to earn a living.”

‘There is still a glimmer of hope’

Kamele Ataie has been working at the bazaar for seven months by selling women clothing. “I receive support from women but not from men. Despite all the restrictions, I keep working.” Kamele Ataie called on all Afghan women not to “stay at home. Do everything to cope with depression. There is still a glimmer of hope amidst all the restrictions and despair. Despite all the restrictions and deprivation, Afghan women do their best to stand firm for themselves and their society.”