Coming from a farming background, Najla Dawlati was aware of the huge opportunities to make a living through bee-generated products like wax and honey.

Najla was able to put this knowledge to work with help from a USAID women’s leadership development program. Jawana is a three-month training program that instills young Afghan women with self-confidence, decision-making, and leadership skills. Through its Alumni Network, Jawana also introduces graduates to other women with similar business aspirations.

“The Jawana program showed me how to manage my own goals and gave me the confidence needed to see those goals through,” said Najla. “The program also gave me the opportunity to communicate with a network of other women who were starting businesses. The network was great for supporting me.”

Today, Najla’s Herat-based bee business employs three other women and produces honey and other products for sale through the Herat Beekeepers Association. Currently, her honey is sold on the local market, but she hopes to eventually sell honey across Afghanistan and eventually internationally. Growing her business will also mean more jobs for more women in Herat.

Najla believes other Afghan women can play an active role in their future and participate in the professional workforce.