The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese government have launched a two-year project aimed at boosting the economic opportunities of women in Afghanistan's border regions, with a focus on supporting women-owned businesses. The $5.6 million initiative seeks to strengthen women's participation in the local economy, addressing both the economic and infrastructural challenges they face.

The project, which was formally announced on November 18, will provide support to at least 2,100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) run by women. Key components of the initiative include low-interest loans, entrepreneurship training, and the construction or renovation of 73 local infrastructure projects to facilitate women's business activities in rural areas.

“This project will enhance women's roles in the economic recovery of Afghanistan, particularly in the border regions, where opportunities for women have been severely limited in recent years,” said Stephen Rodriguez, UNDP's representative in Afghanistan. He emphasized the direct impact of supporting women's businesses on improving local economies, citing previous successful initiatives that helped create over 2,500 jobs, 87% of which were filled by women.

Japan's Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ken'ichi Masamoto, reiterated Japan's commitment to standing with Afghan women.“This project provides meaningful and secure opportunities for women to support their families and communities through their economic contributions,” Masamoto said during the signing ceremony.

Despite significant restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan, particularly under the current political regime, the project aims to create safe, sustainable spaces for women to contribute to their communities and regain economic autonomy. In previous efforts, UNDP supported more than 1,260 women-led businesses in Afghanistan, fostering a model of resilience in a challenging environment.

The initiative is seen as part of a broader international effort to support women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan, which has faced ongoing political instability and challenges to gender equality. As the situation evolves, the project represents a crucial step in ensuring women's economic participation is not sidelined despite the ongoing restrictions on their personal freedoms.

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