Afghan Women Artisans Enter The Digital Economy

Women's inclusion in the digital world is frequently seen as one of the core missions of initiatives or businesses in today’s era. The goal is to lessen the barriers that prevent women from using, learning, and putting into practice specific technological features and inventions that can aid them in creating and continuing a sustainable business while going digital.

Being mindful of women's skills in designing and crafting handmade products, Aseelapp.com has stepped forward to unpack the digital route for women. Aseel is now actively providing women artisans with digital shops - Shop By Brand - where they can own and manage their businesses. It welcomes women, including those inhabiting rural areas, to share their most precious and authentic handmade creations with the entire world with the collaboration of Aseel's expert team. Not only that, Aseel contributes to the encouragement of women's economic independence and sustainability by leveraging the digital footprint of these women-owned businesses globally.

“Having international consumers helps us empower Afghan women artisans economically, which is impossible even if we participate in various exhibitions locally,” says Ghazal Nayab, owner of Narsees Cloth’s Design.

Despite the hurdles women face while stepping out of their homes in search of a better and stable future, women, by partnering with Aseel, can work from home within their comfort zone, away from thousands of safety and security issues. Meanwhile, women artisans learn how to use the Aseel digital platform in the best profitable way. Being deprived of these amenities and facilities for centuries has made it difficult for women, especially rural-based women, to enter and experience the digital world. Nevertheless, motivated women and owners of Lajaward Jewel, Sima Art Gallery, Rangin Art Gallery, and Golnegar Handicrafts have been at the forefront of learning and teaching the Aseel platform, giving thousands of women the confidence they need to succeed while going digital.

Afghan women see Aseel as their ultimate source of hope and income. They believe this platform can assist them in reaching an international audience and bringing more profit to their own businesses and the country. According to the article “Traders Who Suffered Under Taliban Go Digital,” after partnering with Aseel, Zahra Kazemi, founder of Bamyan Weavers, is now employing about 500 artisans, primarily women, who actively produce and sell their handmade clothes, shoes, accessories, and ancient-styled rugs.

In addition, Sima Rahnama, owner of Sima Art Gallery, states that an increase in revenue allows her to employ a larger number of artisans to create more artwork professionally. She adds that Aseel is one of the leading digital platforms that can market her artworks on an international base which is, in fact, impossible if done manually in Afghanistan.

In true words, Aseel works as a digital liaison between the women artisans and their consumers, both local and international. We believe in our artisans and their work and know their efforts are genuine and deserving.