Header images may be AI-generated by AfghanVerified for illustration purposes
Credibility Assessment
The article relies on a direct UNDP announcement with named officials Kenichi Masamoto and Stephen Rodriguez providing quotes, specific funding amounts, project details, and dates. Concrete elements like the memorandum of understanding and project scope indicate strong verification from sources with direct involvement, though it is single-sourced.
The United Nations Development Programme states that Japan has contributed 864 million yen, equivalent to 5.6 million dollars, to improve livelihoods and support economic opportunities for women in Afghanistan. The organization issued a statement on Tuesday, 27 Aqrahbar, indicating that a memorandum of understanding was signed between Kenichi Masamoto, the Japanese Ambassador in Kabul, and Stephen Rodriguez, the UNDP Representative in Afghanistan, in this regard.
The UNDP added that this funding will launch a two-year project titled 'Improving Women's Livelihoods through Promoting Economic Activities in Border Areas.' The organization stated that the project will enhance access to community-based production infrastructure, financial resources, and markets for 2,100 small and medium enterprises led by women through 73 small projects. It will also promote the inclusivity of the local economy.
Kenichi Masamoto, the Japanese Ambassador in Kabul, said: 'Japan stands alongside the people of Afghanistan, especially women, in their path to achieving economic independence and human dignity.' He added: 'This project helps create safe and effective opportunities for women to support themselves and their families.'
Stephen Rodriguez, the UNDP Representative, stated that this project continues the initiative to strengthen women's economic activity in the private sector, which demonstrated that investing in women's businesses is essential for a prosperous Afghanistan.
The UNDP explained that the project is implemented within a broader framework titled 'Area-based Approach to Emergency Development Initiatives.' It supports community resilience, job creation, and inclusive economic improvement across Afghanistan, with women's empowerment at the center of the activities.
This comes as the Taliban, since retaking control of Afghanistan, have imposed broad restrictions on women's economic and social activities. The group has banned women from working in government offices, domestic and international nongovernmental organizations, and has closed some businesses managed by women.
