90 percent of carpet weavers in Afghanistan are women

UN Women said that despite 90 percent of carpet weavers in Afghanistan being women, they earn the lowest incomes.
To strengthen women’s economic opportunities, UN Women said in a report on Wednesday, December 9, that the agency organized a technical workshop this week with partners from the Afghan carpet industry and a number of regional business partners.
They said that women play a key role in the Afghan carpet industry and that the industry is sustained by the work of Afghan women.
“The workshop was held in the Airtam Free Trade Zone of Uzbekistan near Balkh; where 70 percent of Afghanistan’s carpet production is supplied,” the UN said.
Suzanne Ferguson, UN Women’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, said that supporting women at all stages of the production chain, from wool production and spinning to weaving, finishing and trade development, is essential for the sustainable growth of the carpet industry. She stressed that she will continue her efforts to strengthen women’s leadership and increase their participation in the carpet industry.