The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reported that Afghanistan’s annual carpet production has surged to an unprecedented level, reaching an estimated value of around $330 million per year.
On Monday, November 11, USAID posted on its X page, emphasizing its continued support for Afghanistan’s carpet industry.
According to USAID statistics, annual carpet production in Afghanistan has grown from 1.1 million square meters to 3.3 million square meters.
The agency highlighted that this industry now supports around 1.2 million jobs, with women playing a crucial role, making up about 90 percent of the carpet production workforce.
USAID described Afghanistan carpets as “a powerful product with high economic value and extraordinary international appeal.”
Previously, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that carpet exports to global markets had increased over the past year, reaching a total of $8.7 million.
According to the ministry, most Afghanistan carpets are exported to Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.
This growth in the carpet industry brings vital economic support to Afghanistan’s workforce, particularly women, who are heavily involved in this sector.
Despite these achievements, the restrictions on education and employment imposed on Afghan women and girls exacerbate poverty and the humanitarian crisis in the country.
Additionally, these restrictions have led to a rise in forced and underage marriages, further worsening the plight of women and girls as they face limited opportunities for education and employment.
The resilience of Afghan women in sectors like carpet weaving contrasts sharply with the challenges they face, highlighting the urgent need for supportive policies to address gender inequity and safeguard their rights.
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