Economic Empowerment of Women through Self-Help Groups in Afghanistan: An Exploration for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Women’s economic empowerment has been identified as a crucial element in poverty elimination and boosting economic growth. This study aims to look at Afghanistan’s experience using the Self-Help Group linkage as a core development strategy aimed at empowering women economically. For this purpose, this study follows a qualitative research methodology. The data had been gathered from primary and secondary resources and had resulted in significant findings. The established groups in the urban context were very few and mostly concentrated on simple life skills. Moreover, participation in SHGs was directly linked with the socio-economic well-being of the families. Furthermore, wrong cultural practices, security issues, less financial support, and poor attendance of members had been identified as challenges they cope with. For a better operation of the Self-Help Group, the study suggests the recommendations; increasing social awareness, government support, laws, and regulation to support women, strategies to enhance women’s economic empowerment, and linkage of the groups to commercial banks. Afghanistan’s experience shows that the Self-Help groups can empower women, facilitate entrepreneurial activities, enhance confidence and trust, and provide technical skills and market access. Those are part of sustainable development goals and thus increase sustainable livelihood.Women’s economic empowerment has been identified as a crucial element in poverty elimination and boosting economic growth. This study aims to look at Afghanistan’s experience using the Self-Help Group linkage as a core development strategy aimed at empowering women economically. For this purpose, this study follows a qualitative research methodology. The data had been gathered from primary and secondary resources and had resulted in significant findings. The established groups in the urban context were very few and mostly concentrated on simple life skills. Moreover, participation in SHGs was directly linked with the socio-economic well-being of the families. Furthermore, wrong cultural practices, security issues, less financial support, and poor attendance of members had been identified as challenges they cope with. For a better operation of the Self-Help Group, the study suggests the recommendations; increasing social awareness, government support, laws, and regulation to support women, strategies to enhance women’s economic empowerment, and linkage of the groups to commercial banks. Afghanistan’s experience shows that the Self-Help groups can empower women, facilitate entrepreneurial activities, enhance confidence and trust, and provide technical skills and market access. Those are part of sustainable development goals and thus increase sustainable livelihood.