After the collapse of the republican system in Afghanistan in August of 2021, many women employed in organizations, offices, and companies lost their jobs. These women, who were often responsible for supporting their families, faced severe economic hardships. In the fourth quarter of 2022, female employment was estimated to fall 25 percent lower versus the second quarter of 2021, before the Taliban took over, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Ghulam, a resident of Ghazni province, saw an opportunity amidst these challenges.
With the country emerging from 40 years of conflict, he believed that creating job opportunities could contribute to peace and stability. His vision was to help unemployed women while also benefiting by starting a small factory that produced tomato paste.
Despite the Taliban’s severe restrictions on women, Ghulam moved forward with his plan. He launched the factory in Ghazni, and for the first time, produced 350 kilograms of tomato paste. His efforts quickly grew, and now, the factory employs 11 women. “The hopes of 11 families are tied to this factory,” he proudly told Peace News Network (PNN). Though the road has been difficult, Ghulam remains hopeful that his work will expand. “Things are not going well, but I continue with optimism. After the devastation of war, Afghans need to come together in peace to build a better future,” he added.
Photo by Khan.
Ghulam is also encouraged by the improved security in Ghazni, a province once ravaged by war. “There used to be fierce fighting here. In 2015, the Taliban overran the provincial capital for the first time in 14 years. Military personnel were always on the streets, and life was unpredictable. Now, there’s peace, and it’s possible to work,” he said. However, he acknowledged that economic conditions remain poor, with high unemployment and low incomes. “I hope the economic situation will improve, and my business will grow. I aim to create job opportunities for more women so they can support their families,” he explained.
Speaking about his factory’s operations, Ghulam expressed satisfaction, even though there hasn’t been significant progress. “We produce 1,200 bottles of tomato paste daily during the three-month tomato season. We buy tomatoes from Afghan farmers, which helps the local economy. Small businesses like mine play a vital role in peacebuilding,” he said. However, he noted a major challenge—competition from Iranian tomato paste in the market. “Our market is small, and many people use Iranian products. If we receive help with marketing, we can provide more jobs and grow the business.”
Ghulam is also calling on the government to support local industries. “A major obstacle is the lack of a good location for factories. We need a well-organized industrial park where we can produce high-quality goods and create more jobs,” he urged. His plea is clear: to boost both the economy and peace, the government must provide infrastructure and market opportunities for small businesses.
One of the factory workers, Karishma, 33, expressed her gratitude for the job. “I’m happy I’ve been given this opportunity. I want to learn and eventually start my own factory, where I can employ more women. Women are facing many economic challenges, and the government and factory owners should focus on providing us with job opportunities,” she said.
Photo by Khan.
Bilal, another worker, echoed her resilience. “I’m glad there is work, and we can earn some money, but we need more job opportunities to improve our lives. Better markets will also help improve our work,” he commented, emphasizing the importance of peace for development.
Factories like Ghulam’s are often supported by organizations working on livelihood projects for Afghanistan’s oppressed people. However, a common issue is that equipment is sometimes given to individuals without the necessary skills, leading to misuse and wasted resources.
Najib, an economic expert from Kabul University, discussed the broader challenges facing Afghan businesses. He noted that few people are willing to invest in the country due to uncertainties about profitability. “Many are unsure if their investments will succeed, but I believe the current environment is suitable for business. Afghans should buy locally produced goods to support investors and create job opportunities,” he advised. He also warned that Afghan businesses struggle to compete with foreign imports. “Afghans can establish small and medium-sized businesses, but they’re afraid of losing their investments due to competition from neighboring countries. We need a system where people won’t lose their capital, and the Ministry of Commerce should clearly identify which sectors need investment,” Najib explained.
Encouraging investors is a key part of the peacebuilding process. While the Ministry of Commerce and the Taliban’s government have repeatedly called on people to invest in Afghanistan, Najib pointed out that no surveys have been conducted to determine where investments are most needed and where local products can compete with foreign goods.
Photo by Khan.
Recently, a seven-day exhibition in Kabul showcased Afghan-made products, with domestic investors struggling to compete. Sayed, an advisor to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce, observed that Afghan products face stiff competition from imports from countries like Pakistan, Iran, and China. “Small Afghan factories cannot compete with foreign products because of their better packaging and sometimes higher quality. This makes it difficult for local businesses to find their place in the market,” Saedi noted. However, he praised initiatives like Ghulam’s factory, adding, “What Ghulam has done is a very good initiative, but the government needs to reduce foreign imports to give domestic products a chance.”
For Ghulam and many like him, peace is more than the absence of war. It’s about creating opportunities for Afghans to build better lives.
As Ghulam’s factory grows, the women who work there are not only earning a living but are contributing to a future where peace is sustained by economic stability.
Humayoon Babur
Humayoon Babur is a dedicated freelance journalist with a Master’s degree in International Development. Over many years, he has covered a wide array of crucial topics, including conflict, peacebuilding, social development, and climate change. His work is known for its depth and insight, often focusing on the complex interplay between these issues and their impact on vulnerable communities.
Humayoon has reported extensively from regions experiencing war and political unrest, bringing attention to stories that are often overlooked. He is passionate about amplifying the voices of those affected by conflict, aiming to shed light on the human experience behind the headlines. His reporting not only addresses the immediate consequences of violence but also explores the long-term challenges these regions face, particularly in terms of development and environmental sustainability. Beyond his writing, Humayoon is actively involved in the intersection of policy and advocacy, using his journalism to influence public understanding and drive meaningful change. His work is marked by a commitment to uncovering the truth and providing a platform for marginalized voices. As a seasoned journalist, Humayoon continues to contribute valuable perspectives on some of the world’s most pressing issues.
