UNDP Envoy Visits Nangarhar, Inspects Solar Energy Projects Supporting Returnees and Women

Shoko Noda, representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), visited Nangarhar on the second day of her trip, where she toured small businesses and returned migrant workers in the city of Jalalabad. These individuals have benefited from support programs provided by the UN agency.

According to the UNDP office, one of the key achievements of these initiatives has been the provision of electricity through solar energy to local workshops and businesses. This clean energy source has helped prevent production halts during power outages and has enabled businesses to operate in two shifts.

Based on available information, these projects have created jobs for 300 people—half of whom are women. In light of the increasing restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration, the creation of employment opportunities for women is considered a significant and notable development.

As the Taliban-led administration continues to limit women’s participation in public and economic life, the continuation and expansion of such support projects could provide essential aid to Afghan families, particularly female-headed households. However, the urgent need for the Taliban authorities to respond to economic pressures and gender discrimination remains critical.