Milk and dairy products are crucial for the daily food security and income generation of Afghan families, and women play an important role in the related activities. Since 2005, FAO is implementing the Integrated Dairy Schemes (IDS) Project, with financial support of the Afghan, German and Italian Governments and IFAD. The aim of the project is to improve food security in Afghanistan by supporting the national dairy sector. The Rural Infrastructure and Agro-industry and Social Protection Divisio ns of FAO, in collaboration with the FAO Representation in Afghanistan, undertook a detailed assessment to investigate the in depth impact on rural Afghan women and their families of the project. The assessment identified lessons learned and actionable recommendations to inform the design and implementation of gender-sensitive and inclusive dairy programmes. This publication draws on the evidence gathered during the implementation of the Project on the multiple benefits on gender equality and wo men’s empowerment. The IDS can be seen as a first stepping stone for a large number of rural women to start establishing a better place for themselves in the Afghan society.