Afghan woman's boutique brightens BamiyanAfghan Rahima Alavi, left, who runs an embroidery boutique in Bamiyan, feels proud she can support her family. BAMIYAN (AFGHANISTAN) - With women banned from most jobs in Afghanistan, an embroidery boutique run by 22-year-old Rahima Alavi is a surprising and treasured sight in Bamiyan. Having grown up in rural Bamiyan province, where she helped her parents with farmwork alongside school, the family moved to Iran in 2021. "In Iran, there were more job opportunities, and there, men and women can work," she said. Women in Afghanistan today -- not only in Bamiyan but all over the country -- face many challenges and rules and regulations," said her teacher.

Source: Bangkok Post February 18, 2026 07:13 UTC