Afghanistan: Humanitarian Update, March 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

Afghanistan's women aid workers are integral to the humanitarian response - Pg. 01

Humanitarian partners provide immediate relief to Afghan communities affected by severe weather - Pg. 02

Progress made in overcoming operational bottlenecks in Afghanistan - Pg. 03

AFGHANISTAN'S WOMEN AID WORKERS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

In Afghanistan, women-headed households are the most vulnerable population group, as identified in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). In comparison to male-headed households, they rely more on emergency livelihood coping mechanisms and have higher rates of food insecurity, which contribute to increased chances of early marriage of their daughters and child labour. The HNRP also identifies women as a vulnerable group encompassing 24 per cent of the population in need.

During this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), themed Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, OCHA Afghanistan marks it by honouring female aid workers who not only serve in women-supporting-women roles, but also lessen the hardships incurred by women-led households. During an interview on humanitarian principles, one female aid worker said, “I work for UNFPA in Afghanistan. This agency is helping vulnerable women and is delivering services to mothers and children. We provide essential services and in doing so we target and reach the most vulnerable women and girls, without any discrimination. This ensures that women and children can be seen, heard and assisted.”

Whereas protecting and promoting women’s rights and freedoms goes a long way in ensuring a just and equitable society, curtailing them undermines the entire fabric. The recent report by UN Women, "Tracking Impact Report on the ban on women working with NGOs, INGOs and UN in Afghanistan," highlights the impact of various directives on women's meaningful participation in the response, both as staff and as beneficiaries of assistance. It reveals that all the human rights of women and girls are being violated, making it by far the most serious women’s rights crisis in the world.

Some of the rights violations include restrictions on freedom of movement, restrictive dress codes, lack of protection from sexual and gender-based violence, forced and early marriages, lack of education, and prohibitions on work. In a country that has faced decades of war and continues to grapple with its long-term effects, limiting half of the population’s rights and freedoms to be productive members of society precludes its ability to progress.

“Women humanitarian workers make a tremendous difference in aid delivery to other women and society at large, all the while contributing to the livelihoods of their individual families. I commend their efforts, in that despite their extremely tough working conditions, they continue to support their communities diligently and with determination,” said Isabelle Moussard-Carlsen, the OCHA Afghanistan Head of Office.

Afghan women and girls deserve the right to participate in public life, including getting an education and working, without fear and discrimination. Many female aid workers around the country put their lives at risk every day, going above and beyond very challenging circumstances, to serve. The return on investment in their education shows up in their work as humanitarians. This can only broaden if all women have their rights restored. This IWD, female aid workers carry the day as the epitome of resilience.

The UN and international community must continue their efforts and advocacy with the De-facto Authorities to life restrictions on women and girl’s.