In many Afghanistan districts and villages, women and girls often lack educational opportunities, resulting in limited job prospects and income. Conversely, those who are educated tend to secure proper employment aligned with their qualifications and expertise. Based on findings by DAWEO regarding effective strategies for empowering the skills and economic status of women and girls in rural areas, vocational training has emerged as a key approach.
DAWEO has implemented vocational training programs that focus on enhancing the skills of women while utilizing local raw materials. Specifically, the DAWEO team, designed courses in embroidery, tailoring,food processing, and dairy production for 1,000 women and girls in Bamyan and Paktia provinces. The embroidery and tailoring classes span three months, while the food processing and dairy production courses last for 45 days. Upon completion of these programs, participants receive startup packages containing essential equipment to launch their small businesses. For example, graduates from the tailoring and embroidery courses receive sewing machines, scissors, fabrics, irons, tables, chairs, and comprehensive hand embroidery kits.
The women and girls who started their own businesses and products participated in different events and exhibitions in Bamiyan and Kabul. They introduced their products to customers, and they are trying to access the global market.
Notably, 35% of the participants in these vocational training classes have successfully started their own businesses and are now generating income. This newfound economic empowerment not only enhances their financial independence but also encourages their involvement in family decision-making. As a result, there has been a marked decrease in domestic violence, as poverty—often a root cause of such violence in rural areas—has been addressed through these initiatives.
