Several female entrepreneurs in Herat say that the reduction in exhibitions has negatively affected the marketing and sales of their products.
These women are also requesting easier access to participate in international exhibitions.
In Herat, a group of women manage a small factory where fresh fruits are processed, dried, and packaged in a standard manner, employing ten women and girls.
Sadiqa Sadiq Yar, the head of this fruit processing factory, said, “The lack of exhibitions has caused us many challenges. In previous years, there used to be three to four exhibitions held annually, but this year, we only had one.”
Maliha, an employee of this factory, said: “Participation in exhibitions helps our products gain better recognition. Our request is for more exhibitions to be held to support business growth.”
Tarana, an employee at the fruit processing factory, said: “The work environment is very suitable for us since it’s a women-only space, and it’s a task that women can perform well.”
The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment assures support for expanding the work and business opportunities for female entrepreneurs in this province.
According to officials from the chamber, there are no restrictions on women entrepreneurs participating in domestic and international exhibitions.
Mohammad Amin Yusuf, the executive director of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Female entrepreneurs can continue their business activities just like men, and there are no prohibitions against them. They are supported by institutions and the private sector.”
Over the past two years, women-led businesses in Herat have grown significantly, with hundreds of women entering commercial activities. However, economic challenges and a lack of sales markets remain among the main obstacles facing these women.