Afghanistan’s Handmade Carpet Industry
The rich history of carpet weaving in Afghanistan dates back over a thousand years, with skills and patterns that have been carefully passed down through generations. Afghan rugs are typically known for their vivid use of color, often deep reds, and their intricate designs such as the octagonal “elephant’s foot” print.
Today, the centuries-old carpet industry represents one of the country’s largest, most significant exports and provides employment to over one million Afghans. However, the industry and its workers face numerous challenges, including a scarcity of resources and increased competition from other markets. Many of the workers and artisans are women based in rural areas where conditions can be harsh, access to basic services are insufficient, and alternative sources of income are limited.
Label STEP in Afghanistan
STEP began its work in Afghanistan in 2008, before officially opening an office there in 2010. In the years since, STEP has improved the wellbeing of thousands of the country’s weavers and workers by promoting our Fair Trade Standard and implementing educational programs such as Weaver Empowerment. STEP regularly works alongside industry partners to respond in real time to the country’s evolving circumstances and the corresponding needs of its weavers. Recent targeted initiatives include free medical visits and services in remote villages, Community Health Worker training, food aid, and the distribution of free optical glasses and ergonomic vertical looms.
Label STEP is confident that the international market demand for Afghan carpets will continue, and that our fair trade practices and capacity-building programs will allow Afghan weavers and workers to directly benefit from this development.
