March 8 – International Women’s Day
#TogetherWeThrive

International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. For HARAKAT, this day is an opportunity to reaffirm a clear commitment: strengthening women’s inclusion in Afghanistan’s private sector and expanding the opportunities that allow women entrepreneurs, workers, and innovators to thrive. This vision reflects the spirit of #TogetherWeThrive, where collective progress creates lasting opportunity.

Women as Drivers of Economic Growth

Across Afghanistan, women continue to demonstrate remarkable determination in building businesses, supporting their families, and contributing to local economies. As markets evolve and economic recovery becomes increasingly important, women are emerging as key actors in small and medium-sized enterprises, community enterprises, and value chains. When women gain access to business knowledge, financial resources, and market opportunities, they become powerful drivers of economic growth, innovation, and resilience, demonstrating how #TogetherWeThrive becomes a practical pathway for inclusive development.

HARAKAT believes that strengthening market systems and enabling women’s participation in the private sector is essential for sustainable economic development. We support women to participate fully in economic life, lead enterprises, and create employment opportunities for other women. These efforts reinforce the idea that #TogetherWeThrive when women are active participants in economic growth.

HARAKAT’s initiatives align with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which promotes gender equality, and SDG 8, which supports inclusive economic growth, productive employment, and decent work. Our programs continue to build pathways for women to participate, lead, and benefit from Afghanistan’s evolving market systems, demonstrating how #TogetherWeThrive through both equality and economic opportunity.

Expanding Opportunities Across Afghanistan

Between April 2024 and February 2026, HARAKAT implemented more than seven projects across Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, Khost, Kandahar, Faryab, Daikundi, Samangan, Uruzgan, Nimroz, Badghis, and Logar provinces. Through HARAKAT’s projects, over 12,000 women have directly and indirectly benefited from these projects which have expanded economic opportunities, skills development, and strengthened market linkages. These results highlight how collective action and investment in women’s economic participation ensure that #TogetherWeThrive at community and national levels.

Across multiple private sector support projects, HARAKAT delivered training to women entrepreneurs and employees in business management, enterprise development, marketing strategies, financial planning, and leadership. These programs combined financial and non-financial support to strengthen women-led businesses and enable them to operate more effectively within Afghanistan’s market systems.

Under the Women Economic Activity in the Private Sector (WE-ACT) project, more than 400 women entrepreneurs and SME owners gained access to equipment grants and financial support to expand their businesses. In addition, 1,200 females have benefited from job creation by working within these enterprises Through these investments, #TogetherWeThrive becomes visible in the growth of women-led enterprises and the jobs they create.

Through the Women Economic Empowerment – Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD) project, 575 women-owned savings and lending associations, each consisting of 16 members, gained improved access to financial services and enterprise development opportunities. These groups not only strengthened their savings and lending capacity but also connected to digital financial services and market opportunities. In total, 9,500 additional women benefited indirectly through improved access to finance, micro-enterprise support, and market linkages, an example of how #TogetherWeThrive through collective financial empowerment.

The Women Inclusion in the National Economy (WIN) project provides equipment and raw material grants to 45 SMEs, helping them expand production and improve market competitiveness. It also prepares 300 women for private sector employment through job-readiness training and connects graduates to employment opportunities. At the policy level, WIN promotes adoption of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and advances reform through the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Forum, advocating solutions to barriers facing women entrepreneurs.

The Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development (WYED) project further supported local economic growth by providing business management and financial planning training to 110 micro-businesses and 220 employees from five major urban hubs of the country, Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, and Khost.

Through these combined efforts, women gained greater access to opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture, financial services, and employment. These opportunities not only strengthened women-led businesses but also contributed to stronger household livelihoods and more dynamic local economies. As these opportunities grow, communities continue to show that #TogetherWeThrive when women’s economic potential is fully supported.

Stories of Change

Across Afghanistan, women supported through HARAKAT’s initiatives continue to demonstrate how access to opportunity, knowledge, and finance can transform lives and communities, and how real progress happens when #TogetherWeThrive.

Building a Creative Enterprise – Lailoma Isha

Lailoma Isha, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Kandahar, took on the responsibility of supporting her family after losing both her father and brother. Determined to build a better future, she formed a team of nine women producing decorative items and personalized gifts, eventually launching an online brand that began reaching customers both inside and outside Afghanistan.

Joining the WIN project became a turning point for her business. Through specialized training in marketing, financial management, and brand development, combined with access to equipment, her enterprise expanded significantly.

Today, her business provides employment for 12 people, including 11 women, and continues to grow.

“My greatest achievement is seeing the women I trained become skilled artists themselves. When women support each other, businesses grow and communities become stronger”

On International Women’s Day, Lailoma encourages other women to believe in their abilities:

“Your skills are your strength. Use them to build something meaningful, and never let fear limit your potential.”

Rebuilding Life Through Savings Groups – Samira

Samira’s journey began with displacement. After an earthquake forced her to leave Herat and move to Balkh, she struggled to rebuild her life and support her family.

“There was a time when I had nothing, not even basic household items. I had to borrow dishes from my neighbor just to serve food.”

Through participation in savings groups of WE-LEAD project, Samira gradually rebuilt her tailoring business. Access to collective savings, financial discipline, and peer support allowed her to restart her workshop and regain financial independence.

Today, she leads one of the savings groups in her community and supports other women who are beginning their own journeys.

“Every ending carries the seed of a new beginning. When women support each other, even the most difficult circumstances can turn into opportunity.”

Reviving Traditional Crafts – Shabnam Hadi

In eastern Afghanistan, Shabnam Hadi, a 45-year-old mother of nine, turned traditional craftsmanship into a growing family enterprise.

After returning from migration, she and her husband began producing traditional shawls, blankets, and pakol hats. Through HARAKAT’s support, Shabnam gained access to training in business management, marketing, and packaging, as well as modern machinery that allowed her to increase production and improve product quality.

Today, their business generates 20,000 to 30,000 Afghanis in monthly net profit and provides employment for 15 people, including seven women.

“I may not have formal education, but I believe every woman can build a future through skills and determination. Education is important, but learning a skill can also open the door to independence.”

Reflection

On this International Women’s Day, HARAKAT celebrates the women who are building businesses, strengthening markets, and creating opportunities for others across Afghanistan.

When women gain access to markets, finance, and knowledge, entire communities benefit. When opportunities expand, economies grow stronger.

And when women succeed, #TogetherWeThrive.