Women’s Shift to Informal Work Under the Taliban: Evidence from Afghanistan’s Carpet Industry

This study aims to explore the impact of the Taliban’s employment ban on Afghan women and their subsequent shift to informal work. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 women who transitioned from formal employment to informal labour due to the Taliban’s formal employment ban for women. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key patterns in their lived experiences. Findings reveal that the shift to informal work has resulted in significant financial, social, and psychological losses. This study fills a critical gap in understanding the gendered impact of forced transitions to informal work in post-2021 Afghanistan.