From Home to Homepage: Afghan Women in E-Commerce

Empowering 50 Women Entrepreneurs Across 10 Provinces to Build and Sell Online

In the face of immense challenges, Afghan women are finding new paths to economic independence through digital platforms. Our E-Commerce Empowerment Program has taken root across Afghanistan, led by a dedicated team of five Digital Gurus on the ground in five key provinces: Kabul, Herat, Mazar, Bamyan, and Jalalabad. The program is supported by two staff members and two volunteers based in the United States. Over the past quarter, we have delivered hands-on e-commerce training to 50 women entrepreneurs through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. Beyond group training, 20 women received tailored, one-on-one coaching to refine their products, pricing, packaging, and digital marketing strategies. As a result of these efforts, 15 women successfully launched their online shops on madebyafghanwomen.com, expanding their reach to a global customer base. Through bi-weekly networking sessions featuring expert speakers, these entrepreneurs are not just building their businesses, but also their confidence, skills, and networks. Already, five of our trained entrepreneurs have successfully completed international sales, a testament to their personal growth and the potential of Afghan women.

Highlights in numbers!

50 women entrepreneurs trained in e-commerce

20 women received one-on-one support and coaching

15 women launched their online shops on madebyafghanwomen.com

10 provinces covered: Kabul, Herat, Mazar, Bamyan, Jalalabad, Jawzjan, Daikundi, Faryab, Kapisa, Nimroz,

Women sold and shipped products internationally (U.S. and Canada)

10+ training sessions conducted (in-person and virtual)

Bi-weekly networking sessions with expert speakers

9 team members and volunteers supporting the program

1 powerful success story featured: Gulafroz in Herat, employing 35 women

Story Spotlight: Gulafroz – Entrepreneur and Change-Maker

One of these inspiring entrepreneurs is Gulafroz, a former member of the Provincial Council from Ghor province, who rebuilt her life and business in Herat after the Taliban’s return to power. Determined not just to survive, but to uplift others, she launched a women-led clothing production business. Today, Gulafroz:

👩‍🏭 Employs 15 full-time women

🤝 Provides contract work to 20 others

🧵 Offers skills training and income generation

🛒 Sells products on madebyafghanwomen.com

🌍 Exports via a partner vendor in the U.S. diaspora

📸 Allowed us to document her journey and business in Herat

We thank the GlobalGiving Disaster Response team, the GlobalGiving Global Grant Programs team and our individual donors for their continued support, enabling us to facilitate, sustainable and impactful work with Afghan Women Entrepreneurs. Your support is not just financial, but a vote of confidence in the potential of Afghan women. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our mission and your commitment to empowering women in Afghanistan.