Kabul Trade and Culture Fair Held Under Taliban Restrictions
The National and International Industry and Culture Exhibition in Kabul has been overshadowed by security concerns and restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration. Despite efforts to showcase domestic products and support entrepreneurs, many Kabul residents have criticized the heavy presence of morality police and informal bans on women’s participation.
Visitors reported that interactions between Taliban officers and women and girls were “harassing,” significantly reducing family attendance—especially among women—at the cultural event. This drop in female participation has directly impacted sales for vendors and artisans.
Several sellers voiced concerns about sluggish sales, blaming the lack of customers and inadequate publicity for harming their economic prospects. Golsoom, one of the vendors, said she had yet to sell a single item, citing the absence of outside visitors as a contributing factor.
Economic challenges have also been a major obstacle to business growth, vendors said. Some believe the lack of foundational support and newly imposed restrictions have further limited job opportunities.
Nevertheless, some female entrepreneurs continue to fight for their place in society despite the limitations. Khoshi Ahmadi, one such entrepreneur, shared that she started with a small business and, with help from certain offices, has managed to achieve growth.
The exhibition comes as Afghan society under Taliban rule becomes increasingly constrained, particularly for women and independent entrepreneurs—a trend that threatens the status of culture, industry, and civil freedoms.
