Veronika Buschkovich-Poehr, the Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union in Afghanistan, has stated that the empowerment of women and the capacity-building of local communities are part of the EU’s long-standing commitments.
Ms. Buschkovich-Poehr made these remarks during a visit to Khost province, where she, along with a delegation from the European Union, visited World Food Programme (WFP) projects in the area and directly spoke with the beneficiaries of these projects.
She emphasized that these initiatives are based on investments in areas such as vocational training, the establishment of small women-led businesses, and the development of climate-resilient irrigation systems.
The EU Chargé d’Affaires added that such programs are effective steps in honoring the resilience and empowerment of Afghanistan’s local communities.
It is worth noting that since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, women’s rights have been drastically restricted, and their participation in educational, economic, and social spheres has almost completely ceased.
Moreover, since regaining power, the Taliban-led de facto government has imposed sweeping restrictions on the fundamental rights and freedoms of women, barring them from education and employment.
As a result of these policies, millions of school-age girls have been denied access to education.
In addition, women have been banned from attending gyms, restaurants, public bathhouses, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in both domestic and international NGOs, as well as United Nations offices in Afghanistan.
