Three-Day Women's Handicrafts Exhibition Held in Herat

A three-day exhibition of women’s handicrafts took place in Herat, featuring handmade products and artistic creations by women and girls aimed at marketing these items.

Exhibition organizer Sosan Kazemi said: “At this exhibition, we have displayed Afghan carpets, kilims, felt products, as well as miniature artworks, paintings, small ceramic items, laser engraving, and hand-carved works.” The purpose, she added, was to introduce and promote the handicrafts and artistic creations of women and girls.

Participant Negita Dorani stated: “Our goal is to protect our culture and history and to preserve our cultural heritage through art and present it to the international community.” Malika Hashemi noted: “This exhibition provides women with the opportunity to showcase their art and handicrafts at an international level and to preserve the country’s authenticity and culture.”

Quraish Malakzada described the event as “a bridge of communication, allowing art to cross borders and enabling other countries to learn about Afghanistan’s art and artists.” Soraya Sadat added: “This exhibition is very effective and helps promote women’s handicrafts. It introduces women’s handicraft products to international audiences.”

Participants emphasized the need for public support to grow handicrafts and home-based production, as well as to highlight the achievements of Afghan women and girls globally.

The exhibition occurs amid a significant increase in women’s business activities in Herat in recent years. Figures from the Herat Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries indicate that over the past nearly three years, more than 1,000 women and girls have launched businesses, creating job opportunities for thousands of others.