Afghan woman opens third branch of 'Banowan Afghan' restaurant in Kabul

KABUL – A female entrepreneur has opened the third branch of her restaurant, Banowan Afghan (Afghan Women), in Kabul. The restaurant, founded and operated by Samira Mohammadi, is staffed entirely by women and provides a safe and welcoming environment for female customers.

Mohammadi shared that she started her business nearly four years ago with an initial investment of just 5,000 Afghanis. Through perseverance and hard work, she has now expanded to open a third location. Her goal is to create a space where Afghan women can enjoy meals in a comfortable setting while socializing freely.

“All the staff members here are women, and most of our customers are women as well,” said Mohammadi. “After facing many challenges, I successfully established this restaurant to provide employment opportunities for women.”

Each branch of the restaurant employs around ten women, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds or have no family support. According to Mohammadi, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional Afghan dishes on a scheduled basis, including bolani, ashak, biryani, mantu, and samosas.

Mohammadi hopes to expand her business to other provinces in Afghanistan, further increasing job opportunities for women. The staff members at Banowan Afghan have expressed their happiness about having a secure and supportive workplace.

Sahar Azizi, one of the restaurant employees, shared her gratitude for the opportunity. “I feel comfortable working here, and through this job, I can support my family,” she said. Azizi also mentioned that she takes online classes at night while working at the restaurant during the day.

Local residents appreciate the initiative, recognizing its positive impact on Afghan women. Maryam, a Kabul resident, praised the concept of women-only restaurants, saying, “Such businesses create a comfortable and stress-free environment for women. If more investments like this are made, it will have a great impact by providing employment and safe spaces for women.”

Women entrepreneurs and activists believe that ventures like Banowan Afghan not only empower female business owners but also inspire others to pursue entrepreneurship. They call on authorities to facilitate further business opportunities and support for women in Afghanistan’s economic landscape.