A three-day exhibition of books and handicrafts has been held in Kabul where publishers and female entrepreneurs have displayed their products.

But publishers and women entrepreneurs said they need better opportunities for running their businesses. They asked the Islamic Emirate to allow women to work.

“We do not have a permanent market. Such markets should be considered for women entrepreneurs because there hasn’t been any place for us for years,” said Rahima Hajizada, a female entrepreneur.

“We need to conduct and improve our activities the same as we did under the previous government,” said Arezo, an entrepreneur.

The information and culture deputy minister, Zabihullah Mujahid, who attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, said such events are essential for the country’s development.

“And this is an order and guidance for us, too, may Allah grant us success to follow the Quran until the day we die," he said.

At the same event, members of the Afghan Publishers Union said there is a need for a department for them to be established in the Ministry of Information and Culture to protect the bookselling and publishing businesses.

“We play a key role in introducing books to society to help people gain knowledge,” said Sayed Ahmad Saeedi, head of the Afghan Publishers’ Union, referring to the role of their community in Afghan society.

The Ministry of Information and Culture officials vowed at the event to address the demands shared by female entrepreneurs and bookshops owners.