Afghanistan has experienced many ups and downs in the past few decades. Long wars, political instability, widespread migration, chronic poverty, and weak economic infrastructure are among the factors that have affected the social and economic structure of this country. In such circumstances, the family, as the most important social institution, plays a fundamental role in maintaining the stability of society. Any change in the economic status of families directly affects the social, cultural, and economic health of the society.
Publish dateTuesday 16 June 2026 - 08:55
Story Code : 357983
Women's Employment Restrictions and Their Impact on Family Economy in Afghanistan
Dr. Sayed Mojtaba Hashemi
One of the important and controversial issues in Afghan society is the issue of women's employment and the existing restrictions in this regard. This issue is not only a discussion related to women, but is directly related to the family economy, social welfare, poverty reduction, and national development. Therefore, examining this issue from a sociological and religious perspective seems necessary.
Economic Situation of Afghan Families
Based on the current realities, a large part of Afghan families live in difficult economic conditions. High unemployment rates, reduced job opportunities, rising living costs, and limited sources of income have caused many families to face serious problems in meeting their basic needs.
In the past, Afghan women also played an active role in the family economy. In villages, women participated in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, carpet weaving, and home production, and in cities, they were present in the education, healthcare, and service sectors. Although many of these activities were not recorded in official statistics, their contribution to the family economy was undeniable.
From a sociological perspective, the family economy in Afghanistan has always been based on the cooperation of family members. For this reason, reducing women's economic participation, especially in the current situation, can significantly reduce the economic power of families.
Women's Employment Restrictions and Their Social Consequences
One of the most important consequences of limiting women's employment is the increase in the family's economic dependence on one source of income. In a society where job opportunities for men are also limited, relying on one person's income cannot meet the needs of life.
From a sociological perspective, when women are excluded from economic activities, several important consequences occur:
First, the level of family income decreases. Many families that previously benefited from the income of two or more members now depend on only one limited income.
Second, family poverty spreads. Low-income families usually lose the ability to afford education, medical care, and proper nutrition for their children.
Third, social harm increases. Social research shows that economic poverty is directly related to an increase in child labor, school dropout, early marriage, and forced migration.
Fourth, the human capital of society is weakened. When educated and skilled women are removed from the production and service cycle, society loses part of its scientific and specialized capacity.
The economy of female-headed families; A Lesser-Seen Reality
One of the most important aspects of this issue is the situation of female-headed households in Afghanistan.
As a result of long wars, security incidents, migration, illness, and death of the heads of household, thousands of women are responsible for providing for their families. These women not only play the role of mothers, but are also responsible for providing food, housing, education, and medical care for their children.
From a sociological perspective, female-headed households are considered one of the most vulnerable social groups in Afghanistan. If these women do not have the opportunity to earn an income, their likelihood of being trapped in the cycle of poverty increases several times.
The field reality in many provinces of Afghanistan shows that female heads of households have turned to activities such as sewing, carpet weaving, handicrafts, private education, selling household products, and other small businesses to meet their daily needs. Although these activities do not generate high incomes, they play an important role in the survival of families.
The role of work in strengthening the family economy
From a sociological perspective, work is not only a means of earning income, but also a factor in creating economic security, self-esteem, and social stability.
The more diverse the family's sources of income, the greater its ability to withstand economic crises. In the current conditions of Afghanistan, women's economic participation can be effective in the following areas:
- Providing part of the family's living expenses;
- Reducing economic pressure on the head of the family;
- Preventing the spread of poverty;
- Providing for children's education;
- Increasing family savings and investment;
- Reducing families' dependence on foreign aid.
In fact, women's work in many Afghan families is not a luxury choice, but a necessity for survival and continuation of life.
Women's income generation from the perspective of Islam
Some people think that women's employment is incompatible with Islamic teachings; but a study of Islamic sources shows that such a perception is not fully consistent with religious realities.
Islam recognizes women as an independent legal and economic personality. A woman can own her own property, trade, enter into contracts, and benefit from legitimate income.
A clear example of this is Hazrat Khadija al-Kubra (PBUH), who was considered one of the great and successful merchants of Mecca before her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Also, in the history of Islam, many women have been active in the fields of trade, education, healthcare, and social services.
From the perspective of Islam, the main criterion for the legitimacy of economic activity is the halal nature of the business and adherence to ethical principles; not whether the individual is male or female.
Economic Situation of Afghan Families
Based on the current realities, a large part of Afghan families live in difficult economic conditions. High unemployment rates, reduced job opportunities, rising living costs, and limited sources of income have caused many families to face serious problems in meeting their basic needs.
In the past, Afghan women also played an active role in the family economy. In villages, women participated in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, carpet weaving, and home production, and in cities, they were present in the education, healthcare, and service sectors. Although many of these activities were not recorded in official statistics, their contribution to the family economy was undeniable.
From a sociological perspective, the family economy in Afghanistan has always been based on the cooperation of family members. For this reason, reducing women's economic participation, especially in the current situation, can significantly reduce the economic power of families.
Women's Employment Restrictions and Their Social Consequences
One of the most important consequences of limiting women's employment is the increase in the family's economic dependence on one source of income. In a society where job opportunities for men are also limited, relying on one person's income cannot meet the needs of life.
From a sociological perspective, when women are excluded from economic activities, several important consequences occur:
First, the level of family income decreases. Many families that previously benefited from the income of two or more members now depend on only one limited income.
Second, family poverty spreads. Low-income families usually lose the ability to afford education, medical care, and proper nutrition for their children.
Third, social harm increases. Social research shows that economic poverty is directly related to an increase in child labor, school dropout, early marriage, and forced migration.
Fourth, the human capital of society is weakened. When educated and skilled women are removed from the production and service cycle, society loses part of its scientific and specialized capacity.
The economy of female-headed families; A Lesser-Seen Reality
One of the most important aspects of this issue is the situation of female-headed households in Afghanistan.
As a result of long wars, security incidents, migration, illness, and death of the heads of household, thousands of women are responsible for providing for their families. These women not only play the role of mothers, but are also responsible for providing food, housing, education, and medical care for their children.
From a sociological perspective, female-headed households are considered one of the most vulnerable social groups in Afghanistan. If these women do not have the opportunity to earn an income, their likelihood of being trapped in the cycle of poverty increases several times.
The field reality in many provinces of Afghanistan shows that female heads of households have turned to activities such as sewing, carpet weaving, handicrafts, private education, selling household products, and other small businesses to meet their daily needs. Although these activities do not generate high incomes, they play an important role in the survival of families.
The role of work in strengthening the family economy
From a sociological perspective, work is not only a means of earning income, but also a factor in creating economic security, self-esteem, and social stability.
The more diverse the family's sources of income, the greater its ability to withstand economic crises. In the current conditions of Afghanistan, women's economic participation can be effective in the following areas:
- Providing part of the family's living expenses;
- Reducing economic pressure on the head of the family;
- Preventing the spread of poverty;
- Providing for children's education;
- Increasing family savings and investment;
- Reducing families' dependence on foreign aid.
In fact, women's work in many Afghan families is not a luxury choice, but a necessity for survival and continuation of life.
Women's income generation from the perspective of Islam
Some people think that women's employment is incompatible with Islamic teachings; but a study of Islamic sources shows that such a perception is not fully consistent with religious realities.
Islam recognizes women as an independent legal and economic personality. A woman can own her own property, trade, enter into contracts, and benefit from legitimate income.
A clear example of this is Hazrat Khadija al-Kubra (PBUH), who was considered one of the great and successful merchants of Mecca before her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Also, in the history of Islam, many women have been active in the fields of trade, education, healthcare, and social services.
From the perspective of Islam, the main criterion for the legitimacy of economic activity is the halal nature of the business and adherence to ethical principles; not whether the individual is male or female.
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