Afghanistan economic crisis: Special market for women closed due to non-payment of shop rent

The situation of women in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate under Taliban rule, in another case, the “Khadija al-Kubra” market exclusively for women in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif closed due to non-payment Has gone. Shop rent, Khama Press reported on Monday, quoting sources.

The market was temporarily closed on Saturday reportedly due to non-payment of store rent and water bills.

Sources said the rent for each shop is Rs 2,700 Afghani per month and has not been paid for the last two months.

Notably, market officials have given women store owners a 10-day ultimatum to pay their rent or risk having their contracts cancelled. Women are the target customer base for the Khadija Al-Kubra and Rabia Balkhi markets in Mazar city. The former has about 200 active stores, while the latter has about 400, Khama Press reports.

The market is closed amid the country's currently faltering economy. With the reemergence of de facto authorities, the country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with many people not able to meet their basic needs.

Restrictive policies targeting women's employment and mobility have worsened the situation, causing widespread suffering and hardship.

These restrictions have pushed many families into deeper poverty and insecurity.