Unsung hero steps in to help out in southern Afghanistan

Humanitarian agencies provide emergency shelter support to earthquake-affected communities in Herat Province, Afghanistan.
Humanitarian agencies provide emergency shelter support to earthquake-affected communities in Herat Province, Afghanistan. Photo: OCHA/Sayed Habib Bidell

By Aria Abawi

More than 3,000 women-led households in southern Afghanistan have found help and hope through Shakila* – a dedicated Shelter Officer for an international non-governmental organization. For the past five years, Shakila provided emergency and permanent shelter solutions to displaced families, especially women and children, ensuring they have safe and secure places to live as they rebuild their lives.

"Emergency shelter officers are the unsung heroes of humanitarian crises,” Shakila said. “We step in when displaced individuals and families urgently need assistance.” The officers work tirelessly to protect vulnerable people, including refugees and returnees, ensuring their safety, dignity and well-being. 

Shakila’s journey to this vital role was full of twists and turns. Initially, she studied computer science at a university in a neighbouring country. After returning home in 2012, she spent more than six years teaching mathematics at various girls’ high schools in southern Afghanistan. It wasn’t until 2019 that she transitioned to her current role as a Shelter Officer.

Shakila assesses the needs of people returning to Kandahar and Zabul Provinces, identifies suitable locations for shelters and coordinates their construction or renovation. Her work ensures the shelters are safe, secure and built to withstand Afghanistan’s harsh weather.

Ayesha sits with her children in a temporary shelter following the October 2023 earthquake in Herat, Afghanistan.
Ayesha sits with her children in a temporary shelter following the October 2023 earthquake in Herat, Afghanistan. Photo: OCHA/Sayed Habib Bidell

Overcoming challenges

Shakila’s enthusiasm and commitment are often hampered by cultural and gender-based barriers that limit women’s and girls’ access to essential assistance. She explained: "What bothers me the most is the conservative mindset of men in various southern areas of Afghanistan. I often see families in dire need, but they decline assistance that would benefit women directly. Men won't disclose the name of their daughters or wives because they believe it's shameful for a foreigner to know the name of a female family member."

Shakila’s work is now even more challenging since the de facto authorities takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. One of her biggest obstacles is the requirement to be accompanied by a mahram (male guardian) during field visits. She also faces increased interference from local religious leaders and de facto authorities, who insist on visiting proposed project locations. Their interference complicates the process of identifying eligible beneficiaries. 

Despite these obstacles, Shakila remains hopeful and encourages women to stay optimistic and strive for empowerment: "The de facto authorities banned me from university during my second semester, despite my aspiration to earn a degree in my own country. I didn't give up and instead earned another online certificate, which empowered me to continue my work and contribute to society."

*Name has been changed.