Promoting Women-Centered Employment and Decent Work through the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus in Crisis-Affected Afghanistan

This intervention addresses the urgent need for recovery, economic resilience, and social cohesion in crisis-affected communities of Herat Province in Western Afghanistan. Aligned with the ILO’s Recommendation 205 and operating within the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus framework, it supports access to essential services, productive employment, and decent work opportunities by combining the Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) approach with enterprise development and promotion of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW). Therefore, the intervention addresses both immediate livelihoods needs and long-term economic sustainability in a conflict and crisis recovery context. The intervention promotes economic recovery while fostering social cohesion and peacebuilding in a highly vulnerable context. It leverages strong partnerships with UN agencies, funds and programmes, social partners, multi-partner trust funds, and other donors to mobilize resources and scale up impact, contributing to country’s UN strategic framework, broader priorities of international community in Afghanistan, and advancing sustainable development goals focused on poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work, and inclusive economic growth. The direct beneficiaries include approximately 3,000 crisis-affected individuals, including women, displaced populations, persons with disabilities, and youth, who gain improved access to essential services and decent employment opportunities. Key partners engaged in implementation are the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the National Union of Afghanistan Workers and Employees, ensuring strong social dialogue and community involvement. Expected results encompass the rehabilitation and climate-resilient reconstruction of critical community infrastructure, creation of at least 370 short-term jobs including for women, support to 25 women-led MSMEs generating 250 sustainable jobs, and enhanced capacity of workers and entrepreneurs to apply decent work principles.

Project symbol

AFG/25/01/RBS

Admin unit

ILO-Kabul

Start date

01/05/2025

End date

31/07/2026

Total allocation

500000

Total expenditure

Status

Closed

350915

Development Partners

Core voluntary funds (RBSA)

Country/Countries

Afghanistan

Outcomes

Outcome 4: Sustainable enterprises for inclusive growth and decent work
Output 9.5. Improved coherence in support and action to promote inclusive, peaceful, stable and resilient societies through decent work and social justice in contexts of crisis, post-crisis and fragility
Outcome 6: Protection at work for all
Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions