Afghanistan: we continue our work despite of difficult circumstances!
In recent months, the Taliban once again massively restricted the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Since beginnig of December, 2022, girls are only allowed to stay in school until the 6th grade. The Taliban government also banned female NGO workers from carrying out their work.
The Taliban's decisions drew heavy national and international criticism. Several foreign NGOs announced their withdrawal from Afghanistan, partly in protest and to increase pressure on the Taliban, and partly because they felt unable to carry out their work without female staff. At universities and schools, teachers and students reacted with strikes. Occasionally, women took to the streets at great risk to demand their rights. The criticism had an effect: Following the intervention of the Ministry of Public Health, women are again allowed to work for national and international NGOs with activities in the health sector. However, the situation remains fragile.
Women's Hope and our partner organization Prémiere Urgence Internationale (PUI) welcome the decision of the Ministry. Women and girls make an indispensable contribution to Afghan society as a whole. If they are excluded from education and the labor market, the entire population will suffer the harmful consequences. Without women, our work would not be possible either. A large part of the Afghan population is dependent on the support of NGOs, especially as far as health care is concerned: The health care system has completely collapsed in many places after the Taliban's decision. Currently, the harsh and cold winter is also having a severe impact on the already suffering population. Pregnant women, women in childbirth and their children are particularly affected. Women's Hope and our partner organization PUI will therefore continue to work for the health of women and girls in Afghanistan.
What do the latest changes mean in specifically?
Following the announcements in December, the project team on the ground briefly stopped working to express solidarity and ensure the safety of all involved. However, as women are now allowed to work in the health sector again, the project can continue as planned. The NGOs resumed their activities at the beginning of January. Both the midwives employed in the project and the project team members can resume their work. However, they need to pay special attention to their personal safety. Therefore, we will make an adjustment to the project budget to cover increasing expenses for security in order to create a safe working environment for the staff. The project team in the field has ongoing discussions with local authorities and communities to determine how best to assist the women of Afghanistan.
Despite the difficult conditions in Afghanistan, we are committed to continuing our advocacy for safe births: Every woman deserves the chance to give birth safely and with dignity.
We sincerely thank you for your support during this difficult time in Afghanistan!
