The Importance of Kandahar in Economic Development

Potential Tipping Point

Many experts argue that Afghanistan cannot fully mature socially or economically until peace returns to Kandahar, as historically the region has been a major factor in shifting regimes who have used it as a base of power. The road continues to be one of great uncertainty and enormous challenge for the people of this southern province, and in particular its women as wide-spread poverty and cultural attitudes restrict progress. Indeed despite the Karzai government's enthusiastic support of new business ventures and women's rights, for the women of Kandahar, not much has changed since old regimes. Traditionally conservative patriarchal tribes limit their women's activities to housework and childcare with almost no schooling available for young girls. The result? 90 percent of the women of southern Afghanistan are still illiterate, a circumstance that dramatically reduces what few options outside of the home they might otherwise have. 

Seizing the Moment

But the seeds for change have been sown by wars which has altered family structure, removing its traditional male breadwinners from day-to-day life. Women, who for generations have been dependent on men, have found themselves responsible for the financial welfare of entire households. Increasingly women have no choice but to go beyond the walls of the compound to seek income.

It is in this historical moment that Kandahar Treasure has begun to make its impact, providing women the opportunity to care for their families using their own traditional embroidery and beadwork skills.