A women-only exhibition called “Eid Bazaar” has opened in the western city of Herat on Saturday, bringing together hundreds of women displaying domestic products, handicrafts and handmade art ahead of the Eid holiday.
Organizers said nearly 200 booths had been allocated to women entrepreneurs and artisans in the 10-day exhibition, who are presenting a range of locally produced goods and crafts.
“Our goal is to support women’s own products,” said Behnaz Saljuqi, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries for Afghanistan’s western zone. “With Eid approaching, markets become busier and public demand increases. We wanted women to have the opportunity to benefit from this market and for people to do their holiday shopping using products made by women.”
Participants said the exhibition offered a rare opportunity to introduce their work to a wider public and strengthen recognition of women’s products and craftsmanship.
“Before the exhibition, no one knew our products,” said Forozan, a vendor at the market. “Since participating, fortunately public awareness of our products has increased. These exhibitions are very influential for women.”
Other exhibitors called for greater government support, particularly in marketing and business development.
“The government especially should cooperate with us and create opportunities for marketing so we can expand our production further,” said Sharifa Ahmadi, another vendor.
The exhibition comes as restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan remain in place. Even so, women participating in the market said they were determined to preserve their economic activities and sustain their work, skills and artistic production through continued participation in public markets.
