In Afghanistan today, women have had almost every economic door closed to them. For women heading households alone - many of them displaced while lacking the means to make money - the struggle to survive is ongoing. Our local partner is supporting these women to build their own futures.

Across three provinces, our partner established women's self-help groups. Collectives where women could access training, share knowledge, pool resources and start building financial independence together. The women felt a strong ownership over these groups, membership was voluntary and the direction was set by the women themselves.

Over the course of 2025, our partner distributed two rounds of micro-grants across 15 groups, giving members the freedom to borrow and invest as they saw fit. Additional grants totalling $36,000 were given to local civil society organisations to mentor group leaders, deliver training and support the model's growth into new areas. This was an investment in women who already knew what they needed and were ready to act on it.

The impact of this work shows what happens when women are trusted with resources and space to lead. Members expanded existing businesses and launched new ones - handicrafts, dairy production and more. Families reported greater stability as household incomes grew. Communities felt the difference too, as women stepped into leadership roles and the ties between them grew stronger.

These groups also opened doors that had previously been out of reach. Business-to-business meetings brought self-help group members face to face with dairy buyers, animal food suppliers and vets. Many of the relationships built allowed the women to go on and deal independently with suppliers, needing no intermediary.

These women are proving they can build something that lasts. These women-led networks are strong enough to sustain themselves and continue growing.