LocationsClear Path to Growth for a Woman-Led Business
December 20, 2025
Shazia is a beekeeper who lives in Khowaja Dawood village in Baghlan province, north of Kabul. It started as a small venture, with 26 bee boxes, earning just 7,000 Afghanis ($100) a month, and Shazia struggled to support her family.
Now, however, her business is thriving, employing three women and boosting local markets. How did Shazia’s business get the boost it needed?
The Women’s Economic Advancement through Community Transformation (WE-ACT) project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by UNDP as part of its country-wide ABADEI programme, provides support to female business owners, helping to develop the Afghan economy.
Through the WE-ACT project, Shazia received training, tools, and funding to transform her enterprise.
Shazia received a $1,000 cash grant, a toolkit worth $550, and entrepreneurship training tailored to her needs.
The training, held in Shazia’s village, was practical and accessible. It covered market analysis, financial planning, and business development. Shazia created her first business plan, giving her clarity and direction.
“Before, I worked hard but didn’t know how to grow,” she said. “Now, I see the path clearly.” The quality of Shazia’s product improved, and as a result, she forged new market connections across Baghlan.
The toolkit provided to Shazia comprised seven bee boxes, 20 kg of wax, a honey-extracting machine, sugar, and chemical supplies, addressing specific needs in her business. The $1,000 cash grant, deposited in her new bank account, opened doors to the financial system.
Shazia’s operation grew from 26 to over 60 bee boxes, more than doubling her monthly income to 15,000 Afghanis. Shazia was able to invest in equipment and save for growth, shifting from survival to planning.
Shazia’s success lifts others. Three women now work in her food processing centre, earning incomes and learning skills. Her business draws customers from across the province, inspiring other women.
The WE-ACT project supported 180 such women-led MSMEs across three districts in Baghlan, creating jobs and stability. By improving access to finance and providing business training, the project supported women-led enterprises to grow, create jobs, and contribute to local economies.
