Women's Bazaar Nets Nearly $10,000 in Sales

CAMP MARMAL, AFGHANISTAN

11.28.2012

Story by Lt.j.g. Amy Forsythe 

ISAF Regional Command North

NATO BASE CAMP MARMAL, MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan - Several Afghan women-run businesses showcased their handicrafts at a bazaar on NATO Base Camp Marmal netting nearly $10,000 in sales Nov. 28, 2012.


The bazaar drew more than 300 service members and civilians who were looking for local items to send home as Christmas gifts of keep as mementos from their time here in Afghanistan. Colorful silk scarves, ornate lapis jewelry and bedazzled children’s clothing were on display for sale.

The event lasted for about five hours and had a steady stream of customers the entire time. Event organizer and gender advisor 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.”

The vendors are 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 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.

Shoppers enjoyed perusing the tables filled with unique items and meeting the women responsible for making the goods. “It was good to put a face to the items and meet some of the local women this will benefit,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Maggie Villagran, RC-North deputy legal advisor.

• Date Taken: 11.28.2012
• Date Posted: 12.08.2012 05:53
• Story ID: 98978
• Location: CAMP MARMAL, AF