Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

8 months ago - 296 Visits

Sayed Abdul Wahid Sadat, the deputy of Afghanistan's Saffron Union, states that 85% of saffron processing in the country is carried out by women and girls. The Bakhtar News Agency, which is under the control of the caretaker government, quoted Mr. Sadat as saying that currently between 50,000 to 60,000 women are employed in saffron processing in Herat province. The report indicates that more than 50,000 women are working in the saffron industry of the country. Additionally, the caretaker government had previously announced that following the ban on opium poppy cultivation, saffron cultivation has increased in 26 provinces of Afghanistan. At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced earlier this month that last year, 67 tons of saffron worth 49 million dollars were exported to nine different countries. Previously, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that at the 2024 Paris exhibition, it successfully secured a large order for the purchase of 600 kilograms of Afghan saffron. According to this agency, the annual sales value of this order amounts to one million seventy thousand dollars. Furthermore, the International Institute of Taste in Belgium announced that Herat saffron ranked first in terms of flavor after laboratory testing.

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8 months ago - 342 Visits

Nila Ebrahimi, a 17-year-old girl from Afghanistan, has won the International Children's Peace Prize awarded by the "Children's Rights" organization for her efforts in advocating for women's and girls' rights. The organization supporting children's rights in the Netherlands announced that Nila has been awarded the 2024 Children's Peace Prize as one of the founders of the platform "Her Story." The announcement stated that Nila Ebrahimi was selected as the winner from among 165 nominees from 48 countries around the world. It further noted that "Her Story" is recognized as a safe space for sharing the stories of girls and women in Afghanistan. The organization emphasized that through the "Her Story" program, Nila highlights the potential, capabilities, and resilience of Afghan girls, both inside and outside Afghanistan. The organization added that she fights for the right to education for all girls and women who have been deprived of education due to the discriminatory bans imposed by the current government. Additionally, the announcement mentioned that before the current government's takeover, Nila recorded her singing to pressure Kabul education officials to lift the ban on schoolgirls singing in public, sharing her recordings on social media. The announcement quoted Mark Doolart, founder and president of the Children's Rights Foundation, stating: "Women and girls across Afghanistan are currently facing unbearable oppression. The ban on education beyond primary school has resulted in an astonishing deprivation of 2.5 million girls in Afghanistan from schooling. Nila's inspiring work in providing a voice that is heard around the world makes her a truly deserving winner of this year's 20th International Children's Peace Prize." Mark Doolart emphasized that Nila Ebrahimi has been recognized for leading a musical protest movement in Afghanistan and inspiring other Afghan girls to demand their rights and fight against injustice through public speeches and international activities. It is worth noting that the International Children's Peace Prize is awarded annually by one of the Nobel Peace Prize winners, and this year it was presented to Nila Ebrahimi by Tawakkol Abdul Salam Khaled Kerman. While Ms. Ebrahimi receives this award, girls above sixth grade have been banned from education. The restrictions imposed by the current government have left millions of schoolgirls without access to education. Additionally, women have been prohibited from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, receiving medical examinations by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs, as well as even at UN offices in Afghanistan.

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8 months ago - 188 Visits

On the occasion of World Students' Day, the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan has stated that despite challenges, students and teachers in the country continue to strive for knowledge and growth. In a message published on its X account on Monday, November 18, the embassy emphasized that education is a "fundamental right and the key to a brighter and more peaceful future for Afghanistan." The U.S. Embassy for Afghanistan reiterated its commitment to supporting students in the country. It is worth mentioning that November 18 is recognized as World Students' Day in some European and Asian countries. As World Education Day approaches and the annual examinations in schools draw near, some female students are urging that the interim government should not keep schools closed to girls in the new academic year. Additionally, several sixth-grade girls are calling on the international community to pressure the interim government to lift educational restrictions in Afghanistan. More than 1,151 days have passed since schools for girls above the sixth grade have been closed in Afghanistan, leaving millions of Afghan girls without access to education.

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8 months ago - 437 Visits

On the occasion of World Students' Day, the women's protest movement for freedom has once again called for an end to the ban on education for girls and women in Afghanistan. In a statement released on World Students' Day, this movement stated that the caretaker government, by preventing the education and schooling of girls and women, is threatening the future of Afghan children and the security of the region. The women's protest movement for freedom has urged the international community, the United Nations, governments, and human rights organizations to ensure the right to education for all segments of society and to create alternative educational programs for girls while combating extremist educational content. Additionally, the establishment of safe schools within Afghanistan and support for migrant children in neighboring countries were among the other demands of this protest movement. Meanwhile, the Afghan girls' robotics team also released a separate statement on their Facebook account in commemoration of World Students' Day, highlighting the dire situation of girls in Afghanistan. They noted that since the current government came to power, it has been 1,156 days during which schools and universities have been closed to girls. The statement emphasized the urgent need for action to reopen schools, create alternative educational opportunities, and support girls' right to education. Furthermore, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has published statistics indicating that 2.5 million girls in Afghanistan are deprived of education. This ban not only strips them of learning opportunities but also inflicts serious psychological and social harm. It is worth mentioning that November 17 is recognized as "World Students' Day," aimed at advocating for students' rights and celebrating their achievements worldwide.

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8 months ago - 289 Visits

Iran Human Rights Organization has reported that the government of Iran has executed two Afghan citizens, including a woman, on various charges. In a report published by this organization, it is stated that an Iranian court carried out the death sentences of four individuals, including two Afghan citizens, on Saturday, November 26. The news agency HRANA also reported that the execution took place in the "Qazalhasar" prison in Karaj. These human rights organizations have not disclosed the identity of the Afghan woman or the nature of her crime. However, according to HRANA, the Afghan male citizen named Khalid Tajik had previously been sentenced to death on drug-related charges. Additionally, Iran Human Rights Organization reported that the Islamic Republic has executed at least nine other prisoners, including two Kurdish citizens. Iran is among the countries with the highest rates of executions in the region. Amnesty International has repeatedly called on this country to halt the execution of Iranian citizens and other nationals.

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8 months ago - 344 Visits

Several international organizations, including Islamic Relief and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), have published a joint report stating that women and men are affected in different ways due to their distinct roles in families and communities. With climate change and natural disasters, a significant number of women in Afghanistan have lost their businesses and even their shelters, facing various challenges, especially in rural areas. The report notes that women and men are impacted differently because of their roles within families and society. It further states that Afghan women and girls are at greater risk than men due to low income, lack of access to education, and restrictions on participation in decision-making. These organizations emphasize that traditionally, men in Afghanistan are responsible for agriculture, while women primarily engage in dairy production and the care of livestock. During droughts, livestock may be sold or used for food, which severely threatens women's traditional livelihoods. The joint report indicates that in rural areas, the responsibility of fetching water largely falls on women and children. During water shortages, they are forced to travel long distances to obtain water. Additionally, women and children face multiple threats while displaced, such as a lack of separate shelters, sexual harassment, and limited access to health services. The Ministry of State for Disaster Management has recently announced that a working team has been formed in collaboration with international organizations to assess the potential for drought in the coming year. This office has stated, citing OCHA officials, that $10 million has been allocated for drought management in Afghanistan. This budget will be used for distributing drought-resistant seeds, providing alternative livelihoods for affected people, and sourcing animal feed. The United Nations and other international entities have previously expressed their concerns regarding the negative impacts of climate change in Afghanistan.

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8 months ago - 412 Visits

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari In traditional societies, the role of women has often been limited to household chores and child-rearing. However, over time and through social, cultural, and economic transformations, the presence of women has expanded beyond the family environment. Today, women are expected not only to fulfill their traditional duties but also to actively participate in various social, cultural, scientific, political, and economic spheres, playing a significant role in society. The series of articles titled "Women and Entrepreneurship: Barriers and Solutions in Traditional Societies" examines the challenges faced by women on the path to entrepreneurship from individual, cultural, economic, and social perspectives. In previous issues, we explored issues such as women's employment and entrepreneurship from individual, cultural, and economic viewpoints. In this issue, our focus will be on the barriers and problems faced by working women in the context of traditional society. We will analyze these challenges more deeply and provide practical solutions to overcome them. The extensive participation of women in economic, cultural, and social fields has brought significant achievements for women and society as a whole. However, at the same time, traditional societies have also created new challenges and tensions for them. The multiple roles and varying expectations placed on women as wives, mothers, homemakers, and workers can impose considerable psychological and physical pressure on them. Traditional Division of Labor: A Barrier to Equality and Well-being for Women The traditional division of labor, which categorizes tasks into "female" and "male," is rooted in outdated and unequal beliefs. In this structure, household duties such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare are viewed as inherent responsibilities of women. In contrast, tasks related to the outside world, such as working in high-paying jobs and making major decisions, are recognized as male domains. This traditional categorization poses numerous challenges for women in the modern world. First, this structure hinders gender equality in society. Women are often deprived of equal educational and job opportunities due to their household responsibilities. This not only prevents individual advancement for women but also is not beneficial for society as a whole, as it overlooks the talents and capabilities of half the population. Second, the traditional division of labor imposes significant psychological and social pressures on working women who juggle multiple roles simultaneously. In many cases, women are compelled to take on household responsibilities and family care alone in addition to their professional duties. This can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety among women, adversely affecting their physical and mental health. In today's world, with the increasing participation of women in the workforce and changing traditional family roles, there is a greater need than ever to reassess the traditional division of labor. To achieve gender equality and enhance women's well-being, it is essential that household duties and childcare responsibilities are shared equitably between men and women. Additionally, traditional attitudes towards the roles of women and men in society must change, and support should be extended to women in all areas, including high-paying jobs and major decision-making processes. Social Insecurities The active presence of women in society is essential for the progress and development of any country. However, there are numerous barriers to this presence, one of the most significant being social insecurities. These insecurities pose challenges for women when traveling between cities and staying in hotels and public places, hindering their active participation in various social, economic, and cultural activities. The negative impacts of these insecurities are particularly evident for working women and those with children. These women, who may need to travel frequently for their professional or educational duties, face numerous difficulties due to security concerns. The lack of adequate facilities for safe and comfortable accommodation, reliable transportation, and insufficient legal and social support places women in vulnerable positions and prevents them from actively engaging in society. Moreover, social insecurities can have negative psychological consequences for women. The fear of harassment, violence, and other threats can diminish women's confidence and deter them from engaging in activities outside the home. This not only harms women but also deprives society as a whole of their participation and capabilities. To address this issue, various measures must be taken at different levels. These measures include increasing public safety, especially in public spaces and transportation, promoting a culture of respect for women, enacting protective laws, and creating appropriate infrastructure for the safe and comfortable accommodation of women. Additionally, it is essential to change societal attitudes towards women and their roles through education and cultural initiatives, facilitating their active and worry-free participation in all social spheres. Solutions To overcome these challenges and achieve a more equitable society, various actions must be taken at different levels of society: Changing Attitudes: The first step in this process is to change traditional attitudes towards the roles of women and men in society. This requires education and cultural initiatives at various societal levels, including families, schools, and media. Individuals should be taught that household responsibilities and child-rearing are not solely women's duties; men also share responsibility for these tasks. This shift in attitude will create a foundation for greater male participation in household and family matters. Social Support: Governments and social institutions must provide necessary support to assist working women in managing multiple responsibilities. Establishing daycare centers and childcare facilities is one of the most important forms of support. Access to these centers allows working women to focus on their jobs without worrying about their children's care. Additionally, providing benefits such as maternity leave and unpaid leave for caring for sick children can help women manage their time and balance work and life. Infrastructure Development: Enhancing social security and developing necessary infrastructure, such as safe and accessible public transportation, can aid women in their active participation in society. Access to affordable and secure public transport enables women to commute to work and engage in other social activities without worry. Furthermore, creating safe environments in public spaces gives women a greater sense of security and encourages them to participate more actively in society. Equitable Division of Responsibilities: Active male participation in household duties and child-rearing helps women manage their time better and reduces psychological and physical stress. This requires a change in men's attitudes toward their roles within the family and an acceptance of greater responsibilities regarding household tasks and children. Encouraging men to participate in domestic affairs not only assists women with their duties but also fosters stronger emotional bonds among family members and contributes to raising healthier children. By striving to address the existing challenges related to the division of labor, we can move towards a fairer society for both women and men—one where both genders equally share responsibilities at home and family while enjoying equal opportunities for advancement and flourishing in all areas of life.

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8 months ago - 279 Visits

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has criticized the ongoing restrictions imposed by the caretaker government on women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that the continuation of this situation will result in increased maternal mortality in the country. Today (Wednesday, November 14), SIGAR referenced United Nations reports, indicating that the current government's restrictions on the rights of women and girls have placed Afghan mothers at greater risk. The organization expressed concern that the ban on 1.1 million schoolgirls from attending school and at least 100,000 female university students from attending universities will lead to a 45% increase in early childbirth and a 50% rise in maternal mortality. The report stated: "For many years, Afghanistan has had one of the worst maternal health records in the world. By 2020, under the Islamic Republic government, Afghanistan had the eighth highest maternal mortality rate globally, with 620 deaths per 100,000 live births." SIGAR noted recent reports from international organizations, particularly the United Nations, stating that 20,000 women in Afghanistan give birth each month in remote areas where access to healthcare facilities is extremely limited. It continued that currently, only 67% of childbirths in Afghanistan occur in healthcare centers and under the supervision of midwives. While expressing concern over the rising maternal mortality in Afghanistan, SIGAR highlighted that recently, the United Nations Population Fund reported that every two hours, one mother dies due to preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth in this country. On November 5, this organization described Afghanistan as one of the most challenging countries for mothers, noting that Afghan women endure many difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth. Concerns about increasing maternal mortality during childbirth in Afghanistan arise as the current government has taken control of the country and international aid has decreased, pushing the healthcare system to the brink of collapse. Additionally, the World Health Organization warned that if funding shortages in the healthcare system continue, access to essential and life-saving health assistance for 7.6 million people in Afghanistan will be cut off. According to this organization, $423 million is needed to provide healthcare services in Afghanistan for the years 2024-2025.

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8 months ago - 346 Visits

The International Organization for Insecurity Insight has expressed concern, announcing that in the year 2023, a total of 109 cases of violence and 65 cases of detention against doctors and health workers have been recorded across Afghanistan. In a published report, the organization stated that this figure has nearly doubled compared to 2022, when the number of recorded incidents was 87. The report mentions that in 2023, 75% of kidnappings of doctors and health workers have decreased. It also refers to an incident on October 11 of this year, where local officials of the current government assaulted a doctor for criticizing the parking of a vehicle at a health center in the Shindand district of Herat. Following this incident, the staff of this health center went on strike, but government officials ended the strike after two days without accepting their demands. The International Organization for Insecurity Insight has indicated that many doctors and health workers in Afghanistan under the current government have been interrogated and imprisoned on charges of moral corruption, traveling without a male guardian, forgery, theft, connections with ISIS, and for not separating the work areas of male and female doctors and male and female patients. This comes at a time when the current government has imposed a ban on women working in all non-governmental organizations and many governmental offices; however, the health sector is the only area where work and education for women in some educational centers have been permitted by the Taliban. According to various reports from the World Health Organization, most people in Afghanistan do not have easy access to health services due to a shortage of doctors and health centers. The International Organization for Insecurity Insight states that from January 1, 2024, to September 30, a total of 2,267 incidents of obstruction or violence against the provision of health services have been recorded in 53 countries, with approximately 236 health workers detained in 92 incidents.

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8 months ago - 376 Visits

Several international organizations, including Save the Children, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Afghanistan Education Authority, have recently announced that 8.9 million students in Afghanistan are expected to attend school next year. These organizations stated today (Tuesday, November 12) in a joint report that based on forecasts, student attendance in schools is expected to increase by approximately 10.7% compared to the year 2024. The report mentions that one of the reasons for the potential increase in students is the growing population across Afghanistan. It further notes that girls who are graduating from sixth grade this year will be deprived of continuing their education. International organizations emphasized that next year, a significant number of school-aged children in Afghanistan will remain deprived of their right to education due to economic challenges and social conditions. The report highlights that international organizations will focus on vulnerable children in schools. Additionally, it states that international organizations advocating for children's rights will support 480,000 vulnerable Afghan students next year. These organizations noted that the costs of local classrooms have increased from $2,700 to $2,800 per month. They also mentioned that the expenses for vulnerable children have risen from $63 to $65, while teachers' costs have increased from $100 to $120. This comes as just a few months ago, UNICEF reported that after 1,000 days of prohibiting girls above sixth grade from education in Afghanistan, they have lost three billion hours of classroom time. Girls have been deprived of schooling and university for over three years now. It should be noted that the current government's restrictions have resulted in millions of girls being unable to access education. In addition, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in local and international NGOs and even at UN offices in Afghanistan.

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