Saffron cultivation is one of DACAAR’s most successful projects and benefits women in particular, who can easily carry out up to 80 percent of the work related to harvesting, storage, drying and packaging.

DACAAR provides child care services to female employees, enabling women to balance their family responsibilities with requirements at work.

DACAAR is the leading institution in providing safe water and hygiene education to rural Afghan communities. With women holding the main responsibilities for water collection and family hygiene, they are targeted directly and involved in planning and decision making.

As part of DACAAR’s commitment to mainstream gender within the organization and create an equal opportunity working environment, gender awareness courses are given to all staff members.

DACAAR is committed to increasing the female workforce and empowering Afghan women to take on an active role in the economy. In 2010 an internship programme was initiated with the objective of providing young female graduates and professionals with much-needed working experience.

In adult literacy courses, women are taught basic literacy skills allowing them to participate more actively in society. So far, more than 3000 women in six provinces have completed literacy courses provided by DACAAR.

DACAAR hygiene educators work in couples teaching families good hygiene practices including how to alleviate diarrhoeal symptoms. Acknowledging that women play a central role in family hygiene, the female educator conducts separate hygiene education sessions for women in private homes.

The Ladies Shop is an important part of every WRC. Due to limited mobility, women often are unable to go to the bazaar, where women’s products are also scarce. WRC members choose what items are sold in the shop, which is run by a woman from the community, and they feel safe shopping there.

Since women and children are often the ones collecting water, DACAAR ensures that women are involved in the process of choosing the location of at least 30 percent of wells in each water supply and sanitation project.

As part of DACAAR’s rural development activities, women are provided with training in poultry farming as a way to generate income. With this extra income, women can buy food, soap, diesel, and desperately needed medicine for their families.