The Women Inclusion in the National Economy (WIN) initiative is a joint program of HARAKAT and UN Women designed to strengthen women-led businesses and expand women’s participation in Afghanistan’s private sector.
This first newsletter presents the early progress of the initiative, highlights women-led enterprises supported through WIN, and outlines how business development, mentorship, policy engagement, and workforce preparation are being combined to create practical economic opportunities for women across different provinces of Afghanistan.

The edition features selected business profiles from Kandahar, Nangarhar, and Balkh, alongside updates on grant support, mentorship activities, the Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum, and the introduction of professional standards through the Women’s Empowerment Principles.

Inside this edition:
• Message from HARAKAT leadership
• Overview of the WIN intervention model
• Profiles of selected women-led businesses
• Training and mentorship updates
• Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum
• Future activities under WIN

The Women Inclusion in the National Economy (WIN) initiative, implemented by HARAKAT in partnership with UN Women, aims to strengthen women-led businesses and expand women’s economic participation across Afghanistan.

This second edition highlights the successful completion of key WIN project activities, including support to 45 women-led SMEs, workforce development for 300 women, and the establishment of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) National Group.

Inside this edition:
• WIN project achievements and SME support
• Job Readiness Training and workforce development
• WEE National Group and advocacy activities
• Entrepreneur success stories from Balkh, Nangarhar, and Kandahar
• WEPs commitments and future outlook

Business Week Magazine presents the stories, achievements, and resilience of Afghan entrepreneurs who continue to drive local economic growth despite ongoing challenges. Developed under the Women Inclusion in the National Economy (WIN) project, the magazine highlights women-led businesses, emerging enterprises, and local production initiatives supported through partnership between UN Women and HARAKAT.

The publication showcases how Afghan entrepreneurs are strengthening local industries, creating employment opportunities, expanding market access, and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Through interviews, articles, and business profiles from across Afghanistan, the magazine captures practical experiences in entrepreneurship, production, innovation, and women’s economic participation.

This edition also explores broader economic trends affecting the private sector, including market recovery, enterprise resilience, workforce participation, and the growing role of women-led SMEs in national economic development.

Inside this edition:

* Stories of women entrepreneurs from different provinces
* Insights into Afghanistan’s private sector recovery
* Business growth and market adaptation experiences
* Women-led enterprise development under the WIN project
* Articles on specialization, networking, and economic resilience
* Local production, branding, and innovation success stories

Download the full magazine to explore the first phase of implementation and discover the businesses driving this initiative forward