With the start of the saffron harvest season, thousands of women in Herat have found temporary job opportunities.
According to the Afghanistan Saffron Union, nearly 50,000 people, 95% of whom are women, are employed during this season.
“Women perform 95% of the work on saffron because this plant requires precision and patience. Tasks such as separating the flowers and processing them are mostly done by women,” stated Mohammad Ibrahim Adel, head of the Afghanistan Saffron Union.
“80% of the work, from picking to drying saffron, is carried out by women. Since it requires delicacy, women perform the work more precisely,” Abdul Shakoor Ahrari, a saffron farmer.
Some women say that this job opportunity has helped them support their families.
“I’ve been working here for five to six days. Whatever we earn, we take home for our children,” said Riza Gul, a resident of Herat.
“I have five orphaned children. I work here every day to meet their needs,” said Nazanin, another resident of Herat.
Officials stated that saffron flower processing is also almost entirely handled by women and girls.
Many of these women and girls, who are deprived of education and regular employment, have found temporary work opportunities here.
“Unemployment is very hard. When we come here, we talk to other girls and bring some income to our families,” said Elnaz, an employee at a saffron processing company.
The saffron flower harvest season in Herat usually lasts 20 days to a month. However, saffron processing has provided extended work opportunities for women.