KABUL, (Reuters) – Sohaila Noori, a 29-year old Afghan entrepreneur, watches as around 30 women, a drastically reduced staff, sew baby clothes, scarves and dresses in a Kabul tailoring shop.

She employed over 80 workers in three textile workshops, mainly women, a few months before the Islamist Taliban took power in August.

Noori stated that “In past times, there was so much to do.” Noori wanted to ensure her business continued to be profitable and allow women to work for it.

“We used to have different contracts. We could pay salaries to our master tailors, and other workers. But, currently, we don’t have any contracts.”

Afghanistan’s economy is currently in serious crisis. The United States has cut billions of dollars from its reserves and aid, and people are left with little or no money to buy basic needs. Businesses like Noori’s struggle to keep their businesses afloat.

Worse, Taliban rules only permit women to work under their Islamic law interpretation. Many will be forced to quit their job to avoid being punished by this group, which has severely limited their freedoms the previous time they ruled.

These hard-fought gains for women’s rights have been swiftly reversed. This week, reports by international rights specialists and labour organizations painted a grim picture regarding female employment opportunities and access to public spaces.

Although the whole country is being affected by the crisis, some analysts predict that almost everyone will be in poverty within the next few months. But the effects are felt more strongly in women.

(Open https://tmsnrt.rs/3tEN2gt for a graphic on employment levels under the Taliban)

Ramin Begzad, the Senior Coordinator for Afghanistan at International Labour Organization (ILO), stated: “The Afghan crisis has made an already hard situation for women workers even more difficult.”

“Work has dried up in the key industries, while new restrictions placed on women’s participation are hitting home.”

According to ILO reports released Wednesday, Afghan women have lost 16% of their employment in the third quarter 2021. This is compared to men’s 6%.

According to ILO, women’s employment is expected to fall 21% from its pre-Taliban takeover level by 2022, if conditions continue as they are.

Noori’s Workshop workers saw the chance to make money as more important than other concerns.

“Most of our family is concerned for our safety. We are called by them often if we do not return to our homes on time. However, they all work because there are economic problems,” Lailuma stated.

Saleha is a second worker who now takes care of her whole family.

My monthly income comes in at around 1000 Afghanis ($10). I am the sole worker in my family. Since the Taliban came to power, however, virtually no income exists.