CAMP MARMAL, MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan - More than 20 Afghan women-owned businesses showcased their handicrafts at a bazaar at NATO Base Camp Marmal March 13, 2013.
The event coincided with the annual International Women’s Day that was observed March 8. The bazaar drew more than 800 service members and civilians looking for local items to send home as gifts or keep as mementos from their time here in Afghanistan. Colorful silk scarves, artwork, ornate lapis jewelry and bedazzled clothing were on display for sale.
The vendors were open for business for about five hours and had a steady stream of customers the entire time. Event organizer and gender adviser for Regional Command-North, Dutch Army Maj. Yvette Foliant, said it was well-attended and everyone was enthusiastic about the event. “It was a great chance for these women to earn money doing something they enjoy.”
This event was a part of business development network supported by Women for Afghan Women which is a grassroots, civil society organization dedicated to protecting and securing the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls, Foliant said.
There are several programs within RC-North that support families, education and medical care. Classes are held to help teach vocational skills such as sewing, carpet weaving, embroidering and needlework.
The Director of Women’s Affairs (DOWA) for Balkh province Rabia Maryam opened the event with expressing gratitude to RC-North for the opportunity and support to grow their businesses. The vendors displayed their items, many of which were handmade scarves, jewelry and clothing, as part of an ongoing effort to develop business contacts and create opportunities for women to earn money to support themselves.
The artwork on display was created by a young artist names Zinab Ahmadi. She is a member of the Balkh Cultural Café and Art Association established seven years ago with financial help from Denmark. USAID now sponsors weekly arts classes there for boys and girls. Ahmadi and the other vendors were able to gain valuable customer relations skills needed for successful entrepreneurial efforts. Shoppers enjoyed perusing the tables filled with unique items and meeting the women responsible for making the goods.
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2013 14:40 |
| Story ID: | 103806 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 527 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Women’s Bazaar draws large crowd at Camp Marmal, by LCDR Amy Forsythe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT