EU Allocates 10 Million Euro for Women's Empowerment in Afghanistan

• The EU has committed €10 million to support Phase 2 of the WE-LEAD Programme in Afghanistan
• The purpose of the Programme is to help empower women via the establishment of local businesses

In support of Phase Two of the Women’s Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD) initiative, the European Union has allocated €10 million to the Programme. Afghan women face many barriers to employment, including socioeconomic disadvantage.

In conjunction with UNDP and local partners, WE-LEAD will increase the capacity of Afghani women to achieve economic stability through job creation and gainful employment.

The objective of WE-LEAD is to assist Afghan women in developing alternative means of generating income. WE-LEAD will provide women with financial services that are friendly towards women and compliant with Sharia, as well as provide business support, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

According to Fariba Noori, the Director of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, donor-based assistance for women who wish to establish their own businesses is invaluable. Donations in the form of cash or equipment are crucial to many women, who serve as the primary sources of support for their families.

Women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan have stated that the WE-LEAD program will benefit many women who are struggling financially. They also believe that the government should be involved in establishing sustainable opportunities for women to start and maintain successful businesses.

Entrepreneur Asma Sharifi believes that women have a vital contribution into the economy and require government or donor support in order to maximize their potential to compete.

Another entrepreneur, Zainab, has pointed out that businesses require financial investment in order to be successful, and therefore need consistent and on-going partnership support from the government in order to sustain the business.

In addition, the European Union has signed a formal contract with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the WE-LEAD program in many of Afghanistan's economically disadvantaged regions.

In a separate announcement, the EU has pledged €126 million for humanitarian response and stability in the region of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.