Powering climate resilience and women’s rights in Afghanistan

There are two sources of power behind the Yakawlang - 1 Women Entrepreneurs Market in Bamyan Province: Afghan women and the sun.

Inside this vibrant market, women-run businesses sell clothing, handicrafts and household goods to a growing base of loyal customers. It’s a space filled with colour, creativity and community.

Yet until recently, unreliable electricity often disrupted their operations. Without stable power, it was nearly impossible to invest in sewing machines, lighting or ironing equipment, let alone expand their businesses.

In winter, the lack of electricity meant shops often shut by mid-afternoon, as fading daylight brought business to a halt.

That changed in March 2024, when UN Women installed an off-grid solar photovoltaic system, delivering consistent, renewable power to the market.

For entrepreneurs like Sama*, the solar upgrade has sparked a new era of growth and opportunity.

With a steady power supply, Sama has purchased three sewing machines and plans to expand further into jacket weaving and embroidery, thanks to loans from a communal savings fund, launched with the $87,500 saved annually on electricity.

She has already hired seven female apprentices.

“Before, without electricity and Internet access, we had no way to explore new designs online,” she said. “Now, my business is growing, revenue is improving, and I am able to involve more women.”

Sama now ships to Kabul, other provinces within Afghanistan, and even exports her products overseas.

“The availability of electricity has increased women’s employment in our district and helped save many families from poverty,” she said.

In just one year, 35 women-led businesses in the market collectively earned over $62,500 in revenue – more than twice their previous annual income.

Productivity has surged, with labour time cut by around 2.5 hours per product, and carbon emissions reduced by an estimated 22 tons.

Switching to solar power has also delivered major cost savings of around $87,500 in electricity expenses – a crucial advantage in high-tariff areas like Bamyan.

As climate change continues to threaten communities across Afghanistan, this initiative shows how climate-smart solutions can fuel both environmental resilience and women’s economic empowerment.

UN Women plans to replicate this model – where solar power fuels both resilience and opportunity – in other parts of the country.

* Her name has been changed to protect her identity.