This report presents the findings of a gender analysis of the business environment in the Free Economic Zones (FEZs) of Dangara, Panj, Kulyab and Sughd. Conducted under the UNDP project “Promoting Effective Border Management Applying a Human Security Approach for Households of Border Areas with Afghanistan” (BMP-III) and funded by the Government of Japan through JICA, the study examines how inclusive FEZ policies and practices are for women.

The analysis shows that although women contribute to local economies, they remain underrepresented in FEZ businesses and are often concentrated in low-paid positions with limited access to finance, technology and professional training. At the same time, successful women-led enterprises — particularly in the Sughd FEZ — demonstrate the strong potential for expanding women’s participation in value-added sectors.

The report provides practical recommendations to make FEZs more inclusive, including integrating gender-responsive policies, improving access to finance and skills development, and introducing incentives for women-led businesses.

For more details, please download the full report in the download card below.