ILO launches women-centred employment and decent work initiative in Afghanistan

HERAT, Afghanistan (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a new initiative in Afghanistan to support communities recovering from earthquakes. The programme places women at the centre of employment and recovery efforts, aiming to strengthen social cohesion, build climate-resilient infrastructure and promote inclusive economic recovery.

Titled "Promoting Women-Centered Employment and Decent Work through the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus in Crisis-Affected Afghanistan," the initiative was recently launched in Herat province under the ILO Director-General’s Crisis Response Initiative to support communities recovering from the October 2023 earthquakes.

Some 3,000 vulnerable individuals, including women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and persons with disabilities are expected to benefit from improved access to essential services and economic opportunities.

The programme expects to generate at least 370 short-term jobs and 5,600 workdays, with a commitment that at least 10 per cent of these opportunities will be allocated to women.

Additionally, 25 Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) will receive financial and technical support, contributing to the creation or sustenance of 250 long-term decent jobs.

Running from 1 July 2025 to 28 February 2026, activities include creating short-term jobs through labour-based rehabilitation of earthquake-damaged infrastructure; supporting women-led and women-supportive MSMEs; and delivering skills development and on-the-job training.

“By linking short-term income support with long-term economic opportunities, this initiative showcases how linking humanitarian assistance with sustainable economic development can restore dignity, strengthen resilience, and promote peace in Afghanistan’s most affected communities,” said Tite Habiyakare, ILO Senior Coordinator for Afghanistan.