The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced that 40 women in Bamyan province are learning leather bag-making and beadwork skills with support from the European Union.

On Thursday (29 October), UNHCR said that under the six-month programme, 20 women are receiving training in leather bag-making, while another 20 are learning beadwork. The programme aims to strengthen women’s vocational skills and create opportunities for them to earn an income.

According to UNHCR, participants will receive packages containing sewing machines, equipment, raw materials and cash assistance upon completing their training. These resources will help them use their newly acquired skills to establish small businesses and support their families. Women who have returned to Afghanistan are also participating in the programme.

The programme is being implemented at a time when women in Afghanistan face sweeping Taliban restrictions on employment and economic activities, making it difficult for many to access income-generating opportunities.