Our Impact - Kandahar Treasure

Kandahar Treasure is a model of social entrepreneurship enabling Afghan women artisans and their families to break the cycle of poverty by providing them with income and access to financial assistance and training.

Women are paid fair wages.

KT has systematized compensations for the work the women complete based on a process of assessing complexity and time.

Women provide food for their families.

KT is a model of social entrepreneurship enabling Afghan women artisans and their families to break the cycle of poverty by providing them with the income.

Women can raise cattle for additional income.

KT artisans collectively save money to invest in other ventures that can help them increase their household income.

Women participate in cultural and traditional programs.

KT has offered a safe space for women to gather and celebrate traditions and cultural activities in Kandahar.

Women lead within their boundaries.

KT is writing a new narrative for women household leaders. Children growing up with mothers as leaders will see the world differently.

Women enjoy life within boundaries.

KT celebrates women’s rights to joy and happiness despite living in restrictive conditions.

Countless studies have shown that gender equality is smart economics. The untapped potential of women remains a lost opportunity for economic growth and development that Afghanistan cannot afford. Women’s economic participation promotes agricultural productivity and enterprise development at the micro, small, and medium enterprise levels, as well as enhances business management and returns on investment.

In addition to boosting economic growth, investing in women produces a multiplier effect – women reinvest a large portion of their income in their families and communities. Women also play key roles in creating peaceful and stable societies – important factors for economic growth. Unfortunately, in places like Afghanistan, these benefits have not been universally recognized and translated into women’s full economic participation. Women still face obstacles when trying to establish new businesses or expand existing ones. Among the biggest hurdles are discriminatory laws, regulations and business conditions, as well as women’s lack of access to property rights, finance, training, technology, markets, mentors, and networks.

"Kandahar Treasure has shown me how to live and create a new future for my orphaned children…they are now in school and will have a bright future."

KT works to empower women by providing employment opportunities both in their home and in our production facility in Kandahar. We supply our women artisans with the fabric, thread and design for products that they complete with high quality hand embroideries to be sold in both domestic and global markets. These works of art are coveted by customers and keep them coming back for more!

KT pays artisans a fair wage for their work. Artisans are paid upon completion, regardless of whether a product ever sells. The women artisans are then able to provide food, shelter and schooling for their children. Many of our artisans are widows who are managing their household budgets for the first time. KT provides financial advice, training and assistance to these women, enabling them to gain independence and respect.