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Breaking Barriers: Women Rise from Adversity to Success

 

The fiber value chain in Afghanistan offers significant potential for  empowering women and contributing to economic resilience. Through  USAID’s Afghanistan Value Chains Program (AVCP), women are gaining the  skills and opportunities needed to participate in key economic sectors in  the activity’s women’s apprenticeship initiative. 

At just 20 years old, Shokria is the primary provider for her family of five in  Herat City. Her family faces immense challenges, including lack of a male  breadwinner and illness. Despite these difficulties, Shokria remained  committed to her studies while working to improve her family’s economic  situation. 

At just 20 years old, Shokria is the primary provider for her family of five in  Herat City. Her family faces immense challenges, including lack of a male  breadwinner and illness. Despite these difficulties, Shokria remained  committed to her studies while working to improve her family’s economic  situation.

Shokria’s pivotal moment occurred when she was selected as an apprentice  at Khalid Carpet through the USAID’s AVCP apprenticeship initiative. This  initiative, which provides Afghan women with critical skills and resources to  engage in the workforce, gave Shokria the opportunity to learn the art of  carpet weaving. Although she had no prior experience, Shokria excelled in  her training, quickly mastering the craft and becoming proficient in raw  material processing and intricate weaving techniques.

This newfound expertise positioned Shokria for a new career path. Her  first apprenticeship stipend allowed her to cover basic family expenses, such  as food, rent, and the medical needs of her mother. Shokria now plans to  secure a full-time role at Khalid Carpet, ensuring long-term economic  security for her and her family. Shokria’s story exemplifies the impact of the  women’s apprenticeship initiative. By providing women with the skills  needed to contribute meaningfully to Afghanistan’s economy, USAID/AVCP  is fostering both economic growth and social inclusion. Shokria’s success is  a testament to how targeted support can transform lives, helping women  break through traditional barriers and build sustainable livelihoods.

Since January 2024, AVCP has placed 1,005 apprentices in 22 host firms  across multiple sectors, with 952 graduates and 502 securing full-time  employment. This achievement highlights the program’s critical role in  empowering women and promoting economic resilience in Afghanistan.

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Afghanistan Stories