UN Agencies Allocate $1.7 Million to Support Afghan Women Entrepreneurs

DID Press: UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women have announced a $1.7 million financial package to support around 1,500 women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan over the next year.

Under the initiative, approximately 1,500 women entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from the planned support, as women-owned businesses in Afghanistan continue to face challenges including limited access to financing, markets and banking services, as well as restrictions on economic activity.

UNDP reports that women-owned businesses play an important role in supporting household incomes and creating employment opportunities for other women. According to a UNDP survey, business income is the primary source of livelihood for 80% of women-led businesses covered by the study.

UN agencies have implemented various programs in recent years to support women-owned small and medium-sized businesses in Afghanistan.

The new funding is intended to support efforts by UN agencies to strengthen women’s economic participation and sustain women-led businesses in Afghanistan.