An expo was held in Kabul on Tuesday by a group of Afghan women where they exhibited their handicrafts.

The exhibition was held at the Afghanistan National Art Gallery and showcased traditional handmade clothes, ornaments and wooden products. 

The exhibition was organized as a marketing endeavor for the women – especially those from rural areas. The expo also provided them the opportunity to sell their goods.

“As Afghanistan's handicrafts are growing, we have organized this exhibition to introduce to people those who work in this field,” Madina Astana, an organizer of the exhibition said. 

“We have brought these handicrafts from different parts and also some women themselves have brought their products here to sell and earn money. Also there are some handicrafts from rural areas from women that we sell for them,” Mursal Nazari, another organizer said. 

Freshta Safari, one exhibitor had her own stall at the exhibition and said she started making ornaments 10 years ago. According to her she has now created job opportunities for a number of women and her business is growing. 

“I started the work around 10 years ago. We make ornaments from precious and semi precious stones,” said Safari. 

Meanwhile, a number of economic experts said government has, in the past few years, launched only small projects to help the women’s handicraft sector and that these projects have not proven to be all that effective. They said more effort needs to be made to boost this sector.

“If we really want to improve the handicraft sector, then good markets should be sought for these crafts; good machines should be provided for the women to help them produce high quality products,” economic expert Shoaib Rahimi said. 

A number of visitors to the exhibition said such events should be established on a permanent basis as women can play an important role in the country’s economic development.