Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Management, Economics and Finance
Year: 2025
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Women’s Shift to Informal Work Under the Taliban: Evidence from Afghanistan’s Carpet Industry
Mohammad Oziar Noori, Samunnatha Vemuri
ABSTRACT:
The Taliban’s ban on women’s employment has drastically reshaped Afghanistan’s labor market, forcing many women out of formal jobs and into informal sectors such as carpet weaving. This study examines the socio-economic implications of this transition, focusing on the challenges women face as they shift from stable, formal employment to informal work. Through qualitative interviews with women who have experienced this shift, the research aims to understand the factors driving this transition, the barriers women encounter in the informal sector, and the strategies they adopt to sustain their livelihoods. By shedding light on the intersection of gender, labor markets, and conflict, this study contributes to discussions on employment policies, economic resilience, and the broader impact of restrictive socio-political environments on women’s work. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers, labor economists, and organizations supporting women’s economic participation in conflict-affected regions.
Keywords: Women’s Employment, Informal Work, Carpet Industry, Labor Market, Employment Restrictions, Afghanistan