KABUL, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Defying common perceptions that Afghan women are confined to their homes, countless women across the country are carving out space for independence, creativity, and economic empowerment. With determination and resilience, they are building their career, transforming their lives, and shaping the future of their communities.
One such trailblazer is Rukhsar Salimi, an entrepreneur who has not only established her own business but has also created an entire ecosystem of opportunities for others. Her workshop, run primarily by women, provides livelihoods for nearly 70 people.
"Financial stability, employment, and personal independence depend entirely on individual effort and initiative. Unless someone actively seeks to change their circumstances, external aids alone will not bring about that transformation," Salimi told Xinhua.
A computer science graduate, Salimi launched her business with a small investment a few years ago and now earns a steady income. She believes that ambition overcomes obstacles: "Those who truly want to achieve their goals are not held back by external factors like space, circumstances, or family. Motivation is enough to pursue what one desires."
Like Salimi, Zainab's business serves as a beacon of transformation in an industry where women have long played a role. What started as a modest enterprise producing handwoven scarves and hats has since grown into a thriving design business for traditional Afghan clothing and hijabs.
What makes her business extraordinary is its holistic impact. Each sale is not merely a financial transaction; it sustains entire families -- many women in her workshop come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and through their earnings, they secure monthly provisions and build new lives with dignity.
The workshop has fundamentally altered the work environment for women, offering them financial independence and self-respect.
Zainab's advice is simple yet profound: "Earning a living does not require leaving the country or having a complete education. What truly matters is a strong will and commitment. No matter the skills one possesses, they must be utilized persistently until a specific goal is achieved."
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, more than 30,000 Afghan women were granted business licenses last year, marking the growing role of women entrepreneurs in the country's economy.
Bahara Salimi, a saleswoman in a clothing store, echoes this sentiment. "We are building this space -- our design studio and business site -- to create an environment where women feel happy and empowered, where they can choose clothing that reflects their personal taste," she said.
For her, quality and working conditions matter deeply. She believes that handmade clothing carries more value than machine-made garments and supports a sustainable livelihood for women who wish to work from home under fair conditions.
A recent report estimates that around 85,000 women are currently employed within Afghanistan's interim government, working in sectors such as healthcare, aviation, statistics, and education.
Maryam Asafi, a skin care specialist, is another Afghan woman making a difference. She describes her clinic as a sanctuary of healing -- both physical and emotional. Beyond offering beauty treatments, her work helps women regain confidence and self-worth.
"From a beauty perspective, if our skin is unhealthy, covered in spots or scars, our self-confidence suffers. Looking in the mirror every morning and seeing dull, tired skin can be discouraging. But when our skin is clear and vibrant, our confidence soars," Asafi observed.
Her treatments are not just about aesthetics, they have a bigger meaning -- represent a woman's right to feel good about herself and reclaim agency over her image.
Education is another critical pathway to empowerment. Orzala Wardak, a 19-year-old English teacher, embodies the transformative power of learning. But for her, teaching goes beyond language instruction. "My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my students regain confidence and achieve their dreams," she said.
Wardak's dedication extends beyond the classroom. She actively helps her students navigate international educational opportunities, guiding them from application processes to skill development. She is teaching 80 female and 30 male students who are eager to expand their horizons. "In today's world, nothing is impossible. If you don't see a path, create one."
More stories and facts show that Afghan women showcase resilience, creativity, and the power of mutual support. Women across the country are proving that with determination, they can turn challenges into opportunities. ■
