8 March 2010 - On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Kunduz’s Female Traders Association, with financial support of German NGO, GTZ, held a three-day women’s handicraft exhibition.

Handicrafts made by women from four provinces, namely: Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar and Balkh were exhibited together for the first time.

“Today, this is another achievement for women here. Women have come together from different provinces on the occasion of International Women’s Day, which is also the anniversary of the Kunduz Female Traders Association,“ said Muslimah Waliji, the head of Kunduz Female Traders Association.

The Female Traders Association was established one year ago with 124 female members. Today, its membership has increased dramatically to 1,000 women.

“Our Association works on capacity building, women’s handicraft marketing and it caters to the employment needs of women,” added Mrs Waliji.

According to Nederah Geyah, the head of Kunduz’s Department of Women’s Affairs, her office assists women in finding markets for goods they produce.

“Finding a market is a big challenge for the female traders in this province. So this exhibition is a good opportunity,” she told the participants.

Engineer Mohammad Omer, the Governor of Kunduz, has said efforts are underway to set up a common market between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, which will enhance opportunities for Kunduz’s female traders.

“We are happy that women are also becoming active in the political, social and economic spheres. This year we had 20 female candidates for the Kunduz Provincial Council,” added the Governor.

Among the exhibiters present is Sharifah from Kunduz, who is optimistic about making a good sale today.

“We brought local carpets, curtains and some other handicraft materials. Our products are good, so we hope people will buy them, because the women need more support,” she said.

By Shamsuddin Hamedi, UNAMA

Website: GTZ