Women Vendors Report Declining Sales at Kabul’s Badam Bagh Exhibition

The 34th Agricultural and Livestock Products Exhibition is currently underway at Badam Bagh in Kabul, featuring 56 stalls designated for women vendors. Participants are showcasing traditional crafts, textiles, and locally produced goods, though several vendors have noted a noticeable decline in sales compared to previous years.

Women operating stalls at the exhibition attributed the drop in revenue to recent gender segregation measures that separate male and female attendees. Several vendors stated that the restricted access for male visitors has significantly reduced their customer base, directly impacting their daily earnings. Event organizers and visitors have also observed a decrease in overall attendance, particularly among women.

In response to concerns regarding women’s economic participation, Abdul Rahman Habib, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated that the government continues to provide necessary facilities and institutional support for women working in commercial sectors. Habib emphasized the administration’s recognition of women’s role in national economic development and affirmed that policies aimed at facilitating their business activities remain in place.

The Badam Bagh exhibition continues to operate as a key marketplace for female entrepreneurs to present their products to the public. Despite the reported financial challenges, vendors maintain that the event remains essential for sustaining family livelihoods and preserving traditional Afghan artisanal work.