Mixing Between Genders in Afghanistan

Free mixing between genders only takes places within families in Afghanistan. In professional situations such as at businesses or universities, males and females may be co-workers, but are nevertheless cautious to maintain each other's honour. 

Foreign females must learn to read the rules and live by them. If a man speaks to you directly in a social context, he is dishonouring you. If someone speaks to you on the street, that is equally inappropriate. You should avoid looking men in the eyes, and keep your eyes lowered when you walk down the street to maintain your reputation as a proper woman. Women must always dress properly to avoid unwanted attention. Always wear loose fitting pants under your skirts and be sure the definition of your legs is undistinguishable. It is also strongly advisable to wear a headscarf in public. 

On the other hand foreign men should note that it is inappropriate to initiate social conversation with a woman, and one should not ask a male about his wife or female relatives. Men and women should never be alone in the same room. If this happens you should ensure a door is left open. Men and women should never touch one another under any circumstances.

Afghan Business Network

What is your passion? 
Are you an entrepreneur looking to start your own business in Afghanistan? An investor looking to help build a country through secure micro investments in new businesses? A mentor willing to help new businesses gain the knowledge to succeed? A service provider looking to help provide goods or services to new clientele? Or would you like to be a sponsor and promote your company through a large network?

Afghan Business Network allows you to learn or share your knowledge of the business world and help rebuild a country one company at a time!

Business Meetings in Afghanistan

- Business is very much personal in Afghanistan. If you have not already invested some quality time in getting to know your counterparts, then you must use initial meetings to establish trust.
- Once this has been accomplished you can move on to the nitty-gritty of business.
-  Do not be surprised or offended if during meetings people walk in and out of a room or phone calls are taken.
-  If the meeting involves a group of people it will be led by the leader who will set the agenda, the content, and the pace of the activities. 
-  Meetings are usually held to communicate information and decisions that have already been rather than a forum for discussion and brain storming. 
-  Meeting schedules are not very structured. Start times, points of discussion, etc are all fluid and flexible. Be prepared for a lot of tangents in the discussions.
-  Afghani communication style is rather indirect. It is therefore sometimes necessary to read between the lines for an answer rather than expect it to be explicitly stated. For example, if someone is asked if they can complete a job on time, you will rarely get "no" as the answer. It is therefore also important to phrase questions intelligently. 
-  Honour and shame should always be considered. Always express yourself in a way that is not direct or pins blame on someone. Never make accusations or speak down to anyone. 

Women Afghan Entrepreneurs for Peace

As Afghan-U.S. relations continue to deteriorate, it's hard to imagine that the two nations can find political common ground. But the language of business is a common one. Stronger business (coupled with innovation) is a powerful driver for peace.

For Afghanistan, female entrepreneurs may be critical to drive this peaceful future. In a study recently conducted by the Peace Dividend Trust (PDT), which works with Afghan entrepreneurs to match them to local market opportunities, out of the 7,000 Afghan companies in its national database only 242 are owned by women. However, three to five new women-owned ventures join its registry each month. According to PDT's Executive Director, Scott Gilmore, "The untold story in Afghanistan is the rise of female entrepreneurs. They are turning into a powerful force for growth and stability."

Nonprofits like Bpeace and Peace Dividend Trust are at the forefront of demonstrating the positive outcomes business can produce in conflict-affected communities like Afghanistan. As Maloney says, "Jobs are the bridge to everything. A family's ability to feed their children, send them to school, and propel their community up the path to peace and prosperity. It's business that builds that bridge."

Kabul Serena Hotel

The first three times I travelled to Afghanistan I stayed first at a UN Guest House, and then at another privately-owned guest house, thinking those would feel the most secure. But when I finally stayed at the Serena, I felt the most secure of al the times I visited Kabul.

And of course Serena hotels are simply beautiful Every detail is considered and not only are they aesthetically pleasing, the service is always impeccable, and the Serena Kabul is truyly no exception. It is wonderfully designed, beautifully decorated and very comfortable. I would not hesitate to stay here again.