Paper long abstract:

This paper aims to analyze the main findings of the study on the role that Afghan women have obtained or can play in the economic development of the country. The concept of women's economic empowerment was set in the Afghanistan's policy agenda by the international community and defined as "a condition where women take control and determine the direction of their lives, develop their full potential, make enlightened decisions, and exert positive influence over processes, mechanisms, and decisions that affect their well-being." In this study, we consider women's economic empowerment a critical step in turning towards inclusive economic growth, which contributes to the development of human capital despite gender differences. The study employs a qualitative research approach based on a combination of desk study and fieldwork. The desk study includes the review of available global and local scholarly literature on women's economic empowerment, analysis of the national programs, and legislation adopted to support women's participation in the economic development of Afghanistan. The field study included missions in Kabul, Nangarhar, and Badakhshan Provinces of Afghanistan and consultation with 20 national and local level decision-making actors. The overview of the current legal and security conditions showed that the weakness of the rule of law remains a critical obstacle for Afghan women to receive education, be employed, work, or start a business. Afghan legislators continue to apply informal practice of dispute resolution. Overall underdevelopment of the labour market and private sector in the country creates challenges for both men and women in finding decent work and official employment. The issue of women employability in the Afghan context requires strategic prioritizing and evidence-based decision making and careful thinking not only about how to increase the number of jobs for women, but how to create comfortable and sustainable working places for all including the female population. The assessment of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities showed that women entrepreneurship is a new phenomenon in Afghanistan. The paper highlights the need for rethinking government economic policies with an emphasis on essential components of women's economic empowerment such as security and innovative opportunities for women's participation in national and local economic development.

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