Afghanistan: USAID Improves Livelihoods for Afghan Women through Credit Shura

Mar 6, 2019 | ReliefWeb
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Balkh, Afghanistan – One of the most difficult challenges for female farmers and women who operate agriculture-related businesses in Afghanistan is access to credit. In addition, many women often do not understand how credit can help grow their businesses. To address these challenges, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) hosted a Women’s Agricultural Credit Shura in Mazar-e-Sharif to raise awareness about agricultural credit.

“This is a critical program in giving women the financial means to provide for their families, as well as the educational skills to understand how credit works and why it is crucial to their success,” said USAID Mission Director Peter Natiello. “We will continue to support women entrepreneurs in agriculture and provide women with the tools to improve their lives.”

The event brought together a number of top microfinance institutions in Afghanistan and financial experts to share their experiences with the women. About 80 participants learned about women’s economic rights, the types of credit available—traditional and Islamic—and how credit can help grow their businesses. They also discussed challenges that women face in accessing credit.