Empowering Women a Priority in Kabul: USAID’s Kabul City Initiative

The initiative focuses on empowering women through various activities, including the Women's Business Development Campaign and the Women's Council Elections. The Women's Business Development Campaign aims to encourage women's participation in the city's social and economic activities. In October, KCI and KM organized a craft fair in the Macrorayan Neighborhood Park in District 16 to support female small business owners. The event provided an opportunity for business women to expand their access to markets in Kabul and share business strategies. The craft fair was successful, with Naseema Mawlazada, a vendor, stating that it was the highest selling market held in Kabul. The Women's Council Elections were held on October 29th, following a three-month effort by KCI and KM to establish the Council. Female KM staff elected a chairperson, first deputy, and second deputy to the Municipality's Women's Council. A total of 204 female voters from departments throughout the municipality cast their ballots, with the election monitored by the Ministry of Women's Affairs to ensure fairness and transparency. The mandate of the Women's Council is to improve the work environment for KM's female employees by combating discrimination, providing training opportunities, addressing salary inequalities, and promoting career development. KCI has also developed a gender policy with Kabul Municipality, which integrates gender considerations into municipal policy and will be institutionalized with the support of the Women's Council. The Afghan government has committed to supporting economic opportunities for women and ensuring gender equality among its citizens. KCI is supporting Kabul Municipality's efforts to fulfill these commitments, with a focus on promoting gender equity in the city. The initiative has made significant progress in empowering women and promoting economic opportunities in Kabul, with a growing number of women participating in the city's social and economic activities.