NTM-A leadership gets look at Afghan Women Owned Business progress
Story by Senior Airman Andrea Salazar NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan Public Affairs
A female Afghan employee sews blankets at a textile factory, Jan. 17. NATO Training Mission -Afghanistan leadership visited two Afghan women-owned textile businesses that manufacture items for the Afghan National Security Force. NTM-A members had the opportunity to directly see the manufacturing capabilities within Kabul and how NTM-A is employing the women of Afghanistan by engaging them into the work force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrea Salazar)
KABUL–NATO Training Mission -Afghanistan leadership visited two Afghan women-owned textile businesses that manufacture uniform items for the Afghan National Security Forces, Jan. 17.
During the visit, NTM-A Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Hof had the opportunity to directly see the manufacturing capabilities within Kabul and how NTM-A is employing the women of Afghanistan by engaging them into the work force. These businesses directly support the ANSF by providing them with products such as blankets, laundry bags and socks that they manufacture locally.
“It’s rewarding to see first-hand, the success the country is making towards reestablishing the textile and industrial industry,” said Hof. “People need to know that it’s not just war-fighting that’s going on over here. They have no idea of the successes taking place.”
The companies not only employ local Afghan women; they also help them by providing day care, education opportunities, periodic health check-ups and family counseling and support.
“We provide incentives and benefits to help motivate our workers as well as make sure they are healthy and happy,” said Sarco Abad Deputy Managing Director Angela Sidiqi. “Not only are they producing quality products, they are also learning important skills that will continuously improve and help sustain a good living for them and their families.”
One of the obstacles faced by women-owned businesses is getting the families of these women to understand how these jobs will help their daughters, sisters, and wives. Finding a job as a woman in Afghanistan, especially without education, isn’t always easy.
Sarco Abad Deputy Managing Director Angela Sidiqi, speaks to NATO Training Mission--Afghanistan leadership about the progress of Afghan women-owned businesses Jan. 17, Kabul, Afghanistan. Her company directly support the Afghan National Security Forces by providing them with products such as blankets, laundry bags and socks that they manufacture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrea Salazar)
“One of the main reasons I’m here in Afghanistan is because I love to help my people, especially the women,” said Clydesdale Group Operation Manager Najib Taufiq. “By providing education and training in the workforce, this helps them support their families while also inspiring them to succeed.”
With over 300 employees and growing; several women hold positions as trainers, leaders, supervisors, all ranging from ages 18 to 40. These types of businesses encourage the people of Afghanistan by aiding them to become more educated and self-sufficient, while also contributing to the sovereignty of the country as a whole.
The NTM-A Program Manager for AWOB Tech. Sgt. Chaunda Wharton, periodically visits each business to monitor their production and ensure they meet the needs of the ANSF by delivering organizational clothing and equipment.
“As a society to succeed I think everyone should be afforded the opportunity to work; not just men,” said Wharton. “Women in this country have been denied these opportunities for years so for us to help build their self-esteem and empower them is something as Americans we may take for granted.”
Category: Gender
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