HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): A number of women in western Herat province have established small pickle-making workshops to help meet their families' needs. However, they complain about a sluggish market and the lack of opportunities to sell their products.

Maliha Yousafi, a mother of eight, is one of these women. She said that a decade ago she migrated to Iran to seek medical treatment for one of her children, but upon returning to Afghanistan, she decided to start a business that could provide a stable income.

She added that a year ago, with a small investment of just 1,100 afghanis, she launched a pickle and jam production shop, which has now become not only a source of income for her family but also a means of employment for several other women.

Maliha said that over time she has been able to expand her production, but continues to struggle due to the lack of suitable markets to sell her products.

She urged government entities and aid organisations to support women entrepreneurs by helping them access better marketing and sales opportunities.

Safia, another woman involved in pickle production, said:“Through this work, I cover the expenses of my four-member family. This is not only a source of income, but it has also freed me from mental stress and the isolation of staying at home.”

She also called for the establishment of suitable, well-equipped spaces for businesswomen and female entrepreneurs in the province.

Some women have turned to small-scale production as a way to cope with economic pressures and psychological challenges.

Samira, a young woman from Herat, said:“After educational restrictions were imposed, I began studying online, but the lack of social interaction affected my morale. Now, by making pickles, I feel calmer and can cover part of my living costs myself.”

Meanwhile, officials from the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the western region report a significant increase in women's participation in production-related activities.

Behnaz Saljuqi, head of the chamber in Herat, said that after the closure of schools above sixth grade and universities to girls and women, as well as the return of thousands of Afghan refugees, the number of women engaging in small businesses has risen.

She added that more than 1,000 women were currently working in various workshops under the chamber's umbrella, some of whom produce pickles and jams.

According to her, their products are displayed and sold at handicraft exhibitions.

Saljuqi noted that her office regularly organises such exhibitions in collaboration with partner institutions and relevant departments to help women market their products, and that these efforts will continue.

Despite all challenges, women in Herat have proven they can be the backbone of their families and the economy. More than ever, they need support, training and access to markets to continue their journey toward self-sufficiency and hope - a journey that begins with jars of pickles and jam and leads to resilience and independence.

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