women in Afghanistan need your help

Dear Ayoub, My name is Ferhana*, the Programme Manager at Women for Women International in Afghanistan. COVID-19 and the subsequent political instability in my country has made the situation worse for Afghan women. Many of the women in our programme rely on the informal labour sector, selling goods in small markets to earn an income. Now that these are no longer running, many women are unable to afford basic necessities. Basic goods such as flour and eggs have become more expensive, and hunger is on the rise. In countries in crisis like Afghanistan, for households where there is a history of violence these added stresses can cause an increase in all forms of violence against women. The women in our programme reported that income generation activities were stopped, and so have their vital savings in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) – which are crucial for women’s survival. Right now, 72% of our women in our programme no longer have a source of income. Afghanistan already has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, so the recent threats to access and the right to education is particularly distressing. Women are also disproportionately impacted by this humanitarian crisis. Without the ability to read or write, or access to education under the new government, women are far less likely to access formal employment opportunities.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

My team and I are working hard to keep ourselves and the women in our programme safe. We’re working with partners on the ground to be able to provide kitchen garden kits to address the growing food crisis as well as solar powered mobile phones so we can enable cash transfers, provide psychosocial support and stay connected with the women in our programmes. ⁠We hope to reach as many women as possible as they fight to protect the rights they’ve gained over the past two decades. We will not abandon women like Imama*, who after joining our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme learned how to turn her existing tailoring skills into a sustainable business. Imama has opened a tailoring shop in a crowded market, something uncommon for Afghan women. She not only pays her eldest daughter’s university fees and supports her family but also employs six other women. “During the year, I gained a lot of experience. I learned how to do business. When we make our own money, we don’t need to depend on men for anything.” Imama says. Imama's shop is a success and she dreams of expanding her shop and providing more women with employment opportunities.

DONATE NOW