A young woman in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, has established a carpet-weaving workshop, creating employment opportunities for 50 women and girls who have been deprived of education.
The workshop manager says the initiative was launched to provide job opportunities for girls and support women’s economic participation.
Mushtari Shewon, manager of the carpet-weaving workshop, said: “Currently, around 50 women and girls work in this workshop. Of them, 40 are girls between the ages of 18 and 25, while 10 others are women.”
Girls who have been unable to continue their education and are now learning carpet weaving at the workshop say they are grateful for the opportunity and have called on the Islamic Emirate and aid organizations for greater support.
Roya, a carpet-weaving trainee, said: “I came here to learn the art of carpet weaving. Once I learn it, I want to establish my own carpet-weaving workshop and provide work and training opportunities for women and girls.”
Muniba, a carpet-weaving trainee, said: “Our request to the Islamic Emirate and organizations is to support us more so that our business can grow.”
The Badakhshan Carpet Weavers Association says many girls who have been excluded from formal education have turned to carpet weaving, contributing to the growth of the industry in the province.
Abdul Ali Yaftali, head of the Badakhshan Carpet Weavers Association, said: “One of the main reasons for the growth of carpet weaving in Badakhshan is that girls have turned to this profession. Since many of them are educated, they learn carpet designs more quickly. As a result, the carpet-weaving industry has grown significantly, and Badakhshan carpets have both domestic and international markets.”
According to the provincial Department of Industry and Commerce, more than 1,000 women are currently engaged in small and large business activities across 15 districts of Badakhshan.
