The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women.

Farghana, a 20 year old businesswoman from Kabul, Afghanistan, has proven herself to be one of Afghanistan’s most up and coming businesswomen. What started as a dream to own her own retail store while living in her temporary refuge of Peshawar, Pakistan during the Taliban’s insurrection has become a reality.  After being involved in the operation of her uncle’s cosmetic’s shop, Farghana looked to the future to start her own store.

Upon returning to Afghanistan, Farghana and her mother opened up their own retail clothing store in Kabul. But that was just the beginning.

She now owns and operates her own retail clothing store in one of the city’s biggest markets. What makes her position even more unique is the fact that she is the only female shop owner in the market.  On top of running her store, Farghana also serves as the manager of the Trader Woman’s Association in Kabul.

Although Farghana treads uncharted waters being a female business owner in an all male market, she doesn’t let that bother her. She chooses to look at the business end of things.

“The most important thing at this market is the quality of our products. We are trying to have the best quality,”