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EU Funds 10M Euros to Empower Afghan Women Entrepreneurs Amid Restrictions

The European Union has committed 10 million euros to the second phase of its Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD) program in Afghanistan. Implemented with UNDP and local partners, the initiative will provide culturally appropriate financial mechanisms, business training, and market linkages for women entrepreneurs. Afghan businesswomen highlight the critical need for investment and government support to sustain livelihoods, especially for female-headed households. Separately, the EU announced an additional 126 million euros in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran to address regional stability and urgent needs.

Key Points: EU Allocates 10M Euros for Afghan Women's Economic Empowerment

  • 10M euro EU funding for Afghan women
  • Partnership with UNDP and local institutions
  • Focus on Sharia-compliant financial mechanisms
  • Supports women as sole breadwinners
  • Part of larger 126M euro regional aid
2 min read

EU allocates 10 million euros to boost Afghan women's economic empowerment

EU and UNDP launch 10M euro program to support Afghan women entrepreneurs with funding, training, and market access amid economic challenges.

"Donor institutions supporting women's capacity-building... are extremely helpful. - Fariba Noori"

Kabul, January 28

As Afghan women continue to face barriers to employment amid social and economic restrictions, the European Union has announced 10 million euros in funding for the second phase of its Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development programme in Afghanistan, Tolo News reported.

The EU said the initiative will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local Afghan institutions, with a focus on strengthening livelihoods, generating income opportunities and enhancing women's participation in the economy.

According to Tolo News, the EU noted in a statement that "The project promotes culturally appropriate and Sharia-compliant financial mechanisms combined with business development support, mentorship, and market linkages."

Fariba Noori, head of the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of donor-backed assistance for women entering business, saying: "Donor institutions supporting women's capacity-building, especially for those newly entering business, are extremely helpful. A woman who is the sole breadwinner of her family could benefit from at least 30-40% in cash or equipment support to contribute to her household."

Several women entrepreneurs in Kabul operating small-scale businesses told Tolo News that the programme could help thousands of Afghan women struggling with financial hardship, while also stressing the need for greater involvement from authorities in creating sustainable opportunities.

Asma Sharifi, a female entrepreneur, said: "In today's circumstances, women play a critical role in our country's economy. Many have unique talents and need support. If backed by the government or donors, they can significantly contribute to the economy."

Zainab, another entrepreneur, added: "Our primary need is investment, to be able to start something with even a small amount of capital. Once we begin, government support becomes crucial, especially through cooperation in various business areas."

Tolo News further reported that the EU has formalised an agreement with UNDP to roll out this phase of the WE-LEAD programme across several underprivileged provinces in Afghanistan.

Separately, the EU also announced 126 million euros in humanitarian assistance for Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, aimed at bolstering regional stability and addressing urgent humanitarian needs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
While the intent is noble, the execution will be everything. We've seen aid money get misdirected before. Hope there is strict monitoring. Empowering women economically is the foundation for any stable society. 🙏
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Arjun K
Respectfully, I have to question the EU's priorities. They are allocating 10 million for this and 126 million for regional humanitarian aid, including Pakistan. Given the complex geopolitics, how much of this actually fosters stability versus gets used elsewhere? The focus should be solely on the people in need.
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Sarah B
The quote from Fariba Noori hits home. Supporting a woman who is the sole breadwinner can uplift an entire family. This model of cash/equipment support combined with mentorship is something that could be studied for similar initiatives in other regions, including some of our own rural areas.
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Kavya N
Asma and Zainab's words are so powerful. "Unique talents need support." So true. It's not just charity; it's an investment in human capital. When women earn, they reinvest in their children's health and education. This programme's success could have generational impact. More power to them!

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