Women and Business Right

Written by: Naqib Ahmad Azizi

In Afghanistan, most of the shopkeepers and businesspersons are men but in some places, some women also have a business and they support their families’ economy, but some people are against women's business.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people about this issue.

Laila, a resident of Kabul city says, “I had an amount of money and I wanted to start a business but my family did not allow me and told me that this amount of money is enough till the end of my life. I spent my money and now I am sick and no one takes me to the doctor for treatment.”

Faridullah, a resident of Khost province says, “Due to illiteracy, some people do not let their women have a business and they think that women might not be successful in this field but some of them say that work for women outside the home is shameful for them.”

What do people think about the solution to this issue?

Ismatullah says, “My uncle’s wife is a tailor and she convinced her husband to allow her to open a tailoring shop in her house. Now she sells women's cloth in the shop too. Her daughters also have learned to tailor and they get enough benefits from the shop.”

A woman says, “My husband had a job and I was saving some money from his income. When he retired from the job, we faced economic problems. I gave him my earned money; he bought a car, and now we solve our economic problems from the money that the driver pays us.”

Islamic scholar, Muhammad Amir says, “Islam gave the right of business as it gave the right of having properties to women. Women are allowed to earn and save money, get Halal benefits from their business, and help others who are in need. Bibi Khadija, the wife of our prophet (PBUH) had also business, and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had been also helping her in this issue.”