Balkh, March 17 (Afghan Women’s News Agency) – The officials of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Balkh say that a special business center for women called “Noor Market” has been inaugurated in Balkh province. This market has more than 250 stores and provides work for at least 200 women.
Sima Hashemi a member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Balkh, told the media that this business center operates in the fields of women’s handicrafts, processing of agricultural and livestock products, carpet weaving, sales of precious stones, towels and shoes. She says: “Due to economic problems, people wander from morning to night looking for a bite of dry bread, so we have less hope that this center can grow well in the future. However, we are trying to change the situation”
Women entrepreneurs in Balkh, however, emphasize the marketing of their products by the government.
However, not long ago, the religious police of the Taliban in Balkh had prevented the business activities of women. And they had imposed restrictions for the continuation of women’s business activities in Balkh. So far, it is not clear under what conditions women can work in this business center.
Referring to the restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban group, a number of female civil activists say that the opening of commercial centers for women is a show and deceiving the international community to recognize this group.
Asma Samiei (pseudonym), one of the women entrepreneurs in Balkh Province, told the Afghan Women’s News Agency: “With the restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban, no woman can do business, and if they go to the market, they will not make any profit.”
