Special Chargé d'Affaires Hugo Llorens said in a video statement on Wednesday that much work is needed to be done to increase the role of women in Afghanistan’s labor force. 

“Still, women account for less than 20 percent of Afghanistan’s labor force; so much more needs to be done.  Some of the biggest hurdles include access to capital, access to experienced mentors and networks, and access to technical training and on-the-job experience,” he said.    

He said despite obstacles, Afghan women entrepreneurs are using their talent, tenacity and ingenuity to succeed and contribute to building a better future for their families and their nation.  

He said thousands of women have been trained in business practices over the past 15 years.  

“A growing number of Afghan women have broken into industries ranging from agriculture, IT, and media, to manufacturing, construction, and healthcare,” he said. 

According to him, the US will continue to support Afghan women in different sectors. 

“The United States also supports multiple exchange programs to provide training and capacity-building for professional women.  Since 2002, more than 220 Afghan women have participated in our flagship International Visitors Leadership Program.  These exchanges give women essential leadership training, and open doors to what they may achieve on the global stage,” the US envoy stated. 

Llorens said the women in Afghanistan are making ‘meaningful’ progress every year. 

“We are committed to working together with the Afghan government, NGOs, and international partners to continue supporting rising female entrepreneurs, and to provide training initiatives for the next generation of young Afghan women.  Let there be no doubt: When Afghan women succeed, Afghanistan succeeds,” he said.