Women Tour Guides in Afghanistan Lead Groups for Women

• Women tour guides in Afghanistan lead groups for women.
• Tourism in the country is starting to recover after a decade of war.
• Guests learn about the lives of women in Afghanistan through tours.

Kabul, Afghanistan — A group of foreign tour guides leads the National Museum of Afghanistan, showcasing their unique experiences. This tour is distinguished by the fact that only women participate in it, and also led by a woman, one of the first Afghan tour guides in the country, where Taliban rules impose severe restrictions on women.

Somaya Moniri, 24, studied to be a tour guide while searching for information online to improve her English. She opened a Couchsurfing account, which allows travelers to connect with local residents. After she welcomed a visitor, she became interested in this profession.

Moniri hopes to change the perception of Afghanistan, as many people know the country only through negative news. She believes that the country has many positive aspects that are worth showcasing.

An 82-year-old Australian, Suzanne Sandral, who once wanted to visit Afghanistan in the 1960s, was impressed by the hospitality of local women. She became part of Moniri's women-only tour in Kabul.

Afghanistan, after a decade of war, is now trying to attract tourists. Since the Taliban took power in September 2021, the situation remains unstable, with a decrease in foreign visitors. Tourism in the country is growing, including through package tours from various countries.

The Taliban government is interested in developing the tourism industry, as this could bring economic benefits. Obtaining a tourist visa has become easier, and regular flights connect Kabul with major cities.

However, some believe that visiting Afghanistan as a tourist is ethically problematic due to the harsh restrictions on women's rights. Girls are banned from attending higher education, while women face numerous limitations.

Nonetheless, some representatives of the tourism business believe that tourism can have a positive impact. Zoya Stevens, a British guide, notes that tourism can help develop communities and provide women with opportunities to work in this sector.

Tourism, organized by women-led groups, includes visits to women’s centers and training courses that are inaccessible to men, allowing them to work uniquely.

Tags: Economy