Artisans with disabilities in Ghazni province, southeastern Afghanistan, are facing a significant downturn in the market for their handicrafts and lack adequate venues for sales.
These women convene daily at a training center in Ghazni city to create handicrafts, aiming to bolster domestic products and support their families economically. However, for the past two years, their efforts to organize an exhibition have been thwarted by the Taliban.
“Women with disabilities craft beautiful items like Afghan dresses and more. We urge authorities to support them,” said Parwana Haidari, an artisan.
The artisans expressed difficulty in earning enough to cover the costs of raw materials.
“The lack of a market is a major issue. When we take our products to shops, they offer us very low prices,” artisan Zahra Nezami shared.
Nahida Wolesi, head of the disabled women’s union in Ghazni, highlighted the challenges they face in a conversation with Amu on Friday, Jan. 25. “Our sales have dropped as people’s economic conditions worsen. It’s crucial to encourage, not suppress, women. Together, we can achieve much,” Wolesi said.
This situation contrasts with claims by the Taliban of providing business opportunities for women. Despite these challenges, women have managed to showcase their products in a few exhibitions in Kabul, Herat, and other provinces over the last two years.
