Afghan Women Deserve Nothing Less

As the world prepared for holidays and Christmas, the people of Afghanistan received heartbreaking news. The Defacto authority banned women from university and finishing their degrees.

Just a few days later, another heartbreak...

The Defacto declared, NGOs must immediately cease the employment of all women in their organizations.

The international community reacted strongly, united in the knowledge that this decision would cost innocent lives and deeply affect women and families. Latest data shows that about 28 million people – more than half the population - including 14 million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

The immediate request to reverse this decision has sadly been ignored. As a result, World Vision, Save the Children, CARE & The Norwegian Refugee Council decided to pause their programs.

The decision is extremely difficult because the reality is millions of children and families who need food, health care, water and warmth to survive Afghanistan's harsh winter are now without vital support.

Andrew Morley, World Vision International President and CEO, summarized our work and future hopes like this:

“Female aid workers are vital for us to deliver principled humanitarian assistance. They are nurses, doctors, teachers, nutrition experts, team leaders, community health workers, and vaccinators. Our job is to save lives and create a brighter future for children in Afghanistan. This requires the full engagement and leadership of our female staff.

We have been standing alongside the children of Afghanistan for more than two decades, throughout so many challenges. We must find an early resolution, for our female staff to continue bringing life in all its fullness for girls and women. They deserve nothing less.”