Livelihood Assistance in Afghanistan

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your warm support for our activities.

In this project, we provided livelihood support to returnee households—who were in a particularly vulnerable position due to limited employment opportunities—in Afghanistan, where 22.9 million people are said to be in need of humanitarian assistance and the country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Through door-to-door surveys, we identified 10 project participants: 9 women and 1 man. Although women in Afghanistan currently face restrictions on movement and social participation, we provided the necessary tools and business training to enable them to start small-scale businesses such as tailoring and sewing at home, even under these challenging conditions.

During the project period, we conducted weekly monitoring visits to assess the usage of the business kits, the progress of the businesses, and income generation.

Interviews with the participants confirmed that within three weeks of the business kit distribution, all participants were able to consistently secure orders, make sales, and generate income. Income for all participants increased, exceeding the project’s target figures. Additionally, all participants stated they were confident they could continue their businesses even after the support ended.

Voice of a participant

One of the participants, Zahida, is a returnee from Pakistan with six children. She had lived in Pakistan for 30 years; her husband had a job, and during that time, their financial situation was sufficient to cover their basic living needs. However, when she first returned to Afghanistan, she could not even afford rent, and her life was in dire straits. Now, with support from JEN, Zahida earns an income through sewing. She explained that in a situation where it is difficult for women to earn an income outside the home, this sewing work is the only way she can generate income at home and meet her basic living needs. Zahida, who enjoys sewing and is skilled at it, hopes to expand this business and gather students to teach them her craft.

JEN will continue to provide comprehensive assistance—both material and psychological—to support those forced into hardship by conflicts and disasters and rebuild their lives through their own efforts. We believe that a virtuous cycle of self-reliance and mutual support will eventually lead to the elimination of conflict and poverty in these communities. We would be grateful if you would continue to walk alongside us and support building that future together.