AFGHANISTAN
AFGHANISTAN
In Afghanistan, where the Taliban’ s restrictive bans severely limit women’ s ability to work and move freely outside the home, economic opportunities have been more difficult to generate. In response, CAI and our two Afghan partner organizations have launched three different Women’ s Economic Empowerment Programs to help women generate income for themselves and their families.
Over the last year, Shining Star Educational Organization of Afghanistan( Shining Star) and The Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan( WADAN) conducted market surveys to determine potential livelihood options and market gaps. These assessments were essential for understanding how local economies function, evaluating the needs of target populations, and designing effective, community-informed project strategies. Just as importantly, the surveys also offered insight into the social and cultural dynamics at play, particularly the constraints and opportunities shaped by gender roles, traditions, and other societal norms.
Shining Star is currently leading dairy production and processing initiatives, as well as a home-based mushroom cultivation program. WADAN is focusing primarily on dairy production and processing. Through these efforts, 55 women have received cows and milking supplies to produce and sell milk, while 20 women completed dairy processing training focused on making yogurt, cheese, and Quroot— a traditional Afghan dried dairy product. Participants also received starting supplies and entrepreneurship training to launch small-scale businesses.
Twenty women took part in a three-day mushroom cultivation training, giving them the tools to grow and sell mushrooms from home— an especially critical solution as many are unable to leave their houses without a male guardian. The women are currently in the process of growing and harvesting their mushrooms, to sell them fresh at local markets in their village.
While these programs are still in their early phases, it was shown in a recent case study that targeted vocational training programs allow women-led enterprises to thrive in culturally sensitive and community-supported ways. They serve as promising examples for replication in other provinces aiming to empower women through economic inclusion and skill development.
Participants wash straw as part of the preparatory stage for mushroom cultivation in northeastern Afghanistan.
To date, nearly 400 women have participated in CAI-supported Women’ s Economic Empowerment Programs across the three countries we serve— each moving one step closer to building a better future. Many have gone on to launch successful small businesses, thanks to the provision of equipment, market connections, and continued coaching. The ripple effects are clearly seen: higher household incomes, improved access to health care and education, and growing leadership roles for women within their communities.
As Rajabsulton, a recent program graduate, shared:“ I am so grateful to CAI for the support they gave me during such a difficult period of my life. I had nothing but a dream and a desire to succeed. They gave me the equipment, the training, and the confidence to build my future. Now I know that nothing is impossible if you work hard and look for opportunities.”
Support from donors like you isn’ t just funding training— it’ s fueling transformation. With modest investments— often less than $ 600 per participant— Women’ s Economic Empowerment Programs deliver lasting, measurable impacts. Women are creating businesses, mentoring others, and breaking the cycle of generational and gender-based poverty. When women rise, entire communities thrive.
2025-2026 JOURNEY OF HOPE | 17