According to the Afghan Research & Evaluation Unit (AREU), Afghan women contribute only five percent of the country's economic output and require more support on the part of ministries, sector departments and the international community.
"Women have only five percent share in Afghanistan's national economy despite huge financial expenditures being allocated to address this," AREU member Mir Ahmad Joyenda said. "The lack of comprehensive economic strategy and clear policies from government ministries, sector departments and international community has been the main issue behind women being kept form their goals.
The AREU report argues that businesswomen need further assistance and cooperation in local and international markets. And it urges the government to focus more resources on women's educational opportunities.
AREU issued a number of conclusions and recommendations in its report.
"We discussed several topics; firstly, for the projects undertaken in Afghanistan for women, the Afghan women should not be used as customers," Joyenda said. "But they should be the icons of change, they should be able to bring change in these projects."
"Secondly, the private sector should work in Afghanistan in a manner that can support women's entry into the marketplace," he added.
Until now, up to 1,000 women have received business licenses from the Afghanistan Investment Supporting Agency (AISA).