Ghor Province, rich in history and cultural heritage, ranks among the less developed regions of western Afghanistan, where women have played a vital role as artisans and producers of handicrafts, significantly contributing to the local economy and the promotion of culture.
However, following the recent political and social upheavals in Afghanistan, the market for women’s handicrafts in Ghor has diminished considerably.
Bibi Gul is one of the women engaged in creating traditional garments and embroidery in Ghor, earning a living for herself and her family through her craft. Unfortunately, her sales have recently declined.
“I work in embroidery and also sew Afghan traditional clothing. This is my only source of income, and I have been doing it for years. In the past, our sales were good, and we had many customers, but now fewer people are buying, and we receive fewer orders. One reason for this is that the majority of people are facing economic hardships,” Bibi Gul said.
The handicraft industry for women in Ghor is heavily influenced by social and economic restrictions, leading to a significant decrease in demand for products such as carpets, kilims, embroidery, and other indigenous items.
Sajida, another woman who is an expert in carpet weaving, remarks, “All the carpets we weave are handcrafted, and Afghan handmade carpets have always held value, being bought and sold at high prices. Our work thrived, especially when we received orders from abroad. However, now people struggle to afford necessities, and purchasing handmade carpets seems too costly. For this reason, our business lacks its previous vibrancy.”
The economic crisis and rising prices have affected families’ financial capabilities, leading people to prioritize essential goods over handicrafts. The decline of the handicraft market not only has economic repercussions for women but might also result in the erosion of the culture and artistry of the very community.
- نویسنده : Afghanistan Women News Agency
- منبع خبر : Afghanistan Women News Agency
