A woman in Mazar-e-Sharif has created a restaurant that provides employment opportunities for several other women.

Shayesta Hakimi, who took on the responsibility of caring for her children after her husband's death, has managed to cover her and her children's living expenses by establishing this restaurant. She says that she initially started the restaurant in her home with 16,000 afghani and has now invested nearly one million afghani into it.

Shayesta Hakimi told TOLOnews: "It's been almost a year and eight months since I started this restaurant after my husband's death. We are twelve women working day and night. The food we prepare includes mantu, börek, Badakhshi cookies, baked samosas, fried samosas, and other people's orders like baklava, komach, bread, and cake."

In addition to Shayesta, around 12 other women also work in this restaurant, earning a livelihood for themselves.

Hadia, a worker, said: "Since our schools were closed, I became very upset and tired of staying at home. When I came here, it has been very good for me. I have learned cooking, and with the salary I earn here, I can buy clothes for myself and help my parents. It's very good that I work here; I'm happy."

Another worker, Mina, said: "Since I came here, I don't have to ask my husband for money for the children's expenses. I use the income from here to support myself and my children."

Some women who visit this restaurant urge the authorities in the caretaker government to support businesswomen like Shayesta.

Fatima, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, said: "This is a very good place in our area, a recreational spot for women and girls. We want the government to support them."

Another resident, Masouda, said: "We can order something from the restaurant in the morning, or if we have guests or are going somewhere. Whenever we want, there is ready and healthy food at the restaurant, and it's very convenient for us."

The Balkh Department of Industry and Commerce pledged it supports all kinds of women's economic activities in this province.

Nasir Ahmad Niazi, Deputy Director of Industry and Trade in Balkh, said:  "We have agreements with various institutions and NGOs under which we oversee their work from start to finish."

The manager of this restaurant says that if supported by cooperating organizations, she can provide employment opportunities for many more women and girls.