Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

8 months ago - 295 Visits

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari In today's world, the role of women's entrepreneurship in advancing the economic and social development of communities is undeniable. However, women in many traditional countries face numerous challenges compared to men when it comes to starting and financing their businesses. This article examines the barriers to women's success in entrepreneurship from various individual, cultural, economic, and social perspectives across different issues. Previous installments addressed employment and entrepreneurship issues for women from individual and cultural viewpoints. This issue focuses on the obstacles and challenges women face in accessing financial resources to start and develop their small and large businesses. We will delve deeper into these challenges and provide practical solutions to overcome them. Challenges Women Face in Financing Businesses: Analyzing Barriers and Solutions Some of the most significant economic barriers to successful women's entrepreneurship include: Limited Access to Financial Resources: One of the major obstacles for women in entrepreneurship is the lack of capital. This issue stems from various factors, including gender discrimination in loan approvals. Studies show that women face higher rates of loan rejections compared to men, and even when they do receive loans, their interest rates are significantly higher. Additionally, women traditionally own less land and assets than men, which limits their ability to provide collateral for loans. This issue becomes particularly challenging in traditional communities where land ownership is predominantly held by men. Lack of Awareness of Available Resources: Another problem is the lack of awareness among women about available financial resources. Many government and non-governmental support programs exist to assist female entrepreneurs, but information dissemination regarding these resources is often inadequate, leaving women unaware of their existence. These challenges collectively create a landscape of inequality in access to financial resources for women entrepreneurs, posing significant barriers to the advancement and development of their businesses. Lack of Support for Childcare: The second major economic factor affecting women's employment and successful entrepreneurship is the issue of childcare. Childcare, especially for young children, can be very costly. Daycare fees can significantly impact a family's budget, particularly for low-income or single-parent families. This situation can force women to make difficult choices between their jobs and caring for their children. Some mothers may have to leave their jobs or reduce their working hours to avoid paying for childcare and take care of their children themselves. This, of course, can negatively affect their income and financial independence. Limited Access to Childcare: In many communities, especially in rural or underserved areas, finding quality and affordable childcare can be challenging. The lack of daycare centers and childcare facilities can pose challenges for working women who are seeking care for their children while they work. This can lead to a lengthy and costly search for suitable care and may also force women to rely on informal caregivers such as family members or friends, who may not always be reliable or qualified. Lack of Supportive Childcare Policies: Many countries lack supportive childcare policies such as paid maternity leave and parental leave. This can make it difficult for women to return to work after childbirth or to care for sick children. The absence of such policies can disproportionately affect working women, especially those in low-wage jobs or without adequate job benefits. Ultimately, the high costs of daycare, limited access to childcare, and the lack of supportive childcare policies all serve as barriers for working women around the world. Addressing these challenges through investment in quality and affordable childcare, providing paid leave policies, and supporting other supportive initiatives can offer women equal opportunities to participate in the workforce and reach their full potential. Gender Wage Gap: A Persistent Injustice The gender wage gap is a deep-rooted and unfair issue in which women, on average, earn less than men for performing similar work. This problem has numerous negative consequences for women's lives and their families, hindering their economic and social advancement and equality. Several factors contribute to the emergence of this gap. Gender discrimination is one of the most prominent factors. In many cases, women face unequal job opportunities compared to men due to their gender, are insufficiently represented at managerial levels, or receive lower wages for similar duties. In addition to discrimination, the lack of career advancement opportunities also exacerbates this gap. Women often miss out on promotion and career progression opportunities due to family and social commitments. This not only prevents them from increasing their income but also affects their self-esteem and motivation. The concentration of women in low-wage jobs is another factor that fuels the gender wage gap. Traditionally, women have worked in professions such as nursing, teaching, childcare, and other service jobs that offer lower pay. This situation, in turn, creates a cycle of poverty and inequality for women and their families. The Necessity of Transparency in Wage Structures Transparency in wage structures is a fundamental step toward addressing inequality and discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately, women are often unaware of the wage structures at their workplaces. This lack of awareness can lead to exploitation and inadequate pay for their work. Several factors play a role in this context. In some cases, employers intentionally avoid transparency regarding wages to evade fair payment to employees, particularly women. In other instances, the wage structure may be complex and unclear, making it difficult for women to understand. Lack of transparency regarding wages has multiple negative consequences for women. It leads to women being unaware of the true value of their work and accepting lower pay. Additionally, it can foster a sense of injustice and dissatisfaction among female employees and create an environment ripe for exploitation. To address this issue, employers must clearly communicate their wage structures to employees. This should include information about wage-setting criteria, promotion opportunities, salary increases, and benefits. Moreover, governments should enact laws to ensure transparency regarding wages. These laws should require employers to provide accurate and clear information about wages to their employees and establish a mechanism for addressing complaints related to lack of transparency and discrimination in this area. Transparency in wage structures plays a crucial role in creating fairness and equality in the workplace. By ensuring transparency, women can become aware of the true value of their work, receive fair compensation, and work in an environment free from discrimination and exploitation.

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8 months ago - 266 Visits

The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan states that Afghan students, especially girls, continue to make progress in the fields of health, education, and development despite challenges. The embassy has emphasized the important role of knowledge and scholars in shaping a bright future for Afghanistan. In a statement published on its X account in honor of World Science Day, the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan reiterated its support for the country's students and scholars. Part of the statement reads: "We continue to support the work of scientists, students, and innovators, as science is the key to peace and prosperity." World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated annually on November 10. This day highlights the importance of science in society and the need for public engagement in discussions regarding current scientific issues. It also underscores the deep connection between science and individuals' everyday lives. The aim of this day is to create a closer link between science and society and to raise public awareness of scientific achievements. Additionally, it emphasizes the vital role of scientists in the progress and future of various countries. This day comes at a time when it has been 1,147 days since girls above the sixth grade in Afghanistan have been deprived of attending school. This situation has resulted in millions of Afghan girls missing out on education.

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8 months ago - 289 Visits

Stephanie Luz, head of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Afghanistan, states that many rural citizens are migrating to cities. Ms. Luz identifies job opportunities, livelihood, better education, and income generation as major reasons for the migration of Afghan citizens to urban areas. She emphasized that the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is "dire," which is part of the challenges they face. The head of the UN Human Settlements Programme in Afghanistan said, "The caretaker government has enacted laws that deprive women of public life." She added, "On one hand, it is crucial to ensure that women can still access some public spaces; but at the same time, it is particularly important to provide them access to ensure that suitable places are made available for them." Stephanie Luz mentioned that the United Nations is currently consulting on how to create culturally acceptable spaces in the current environment, as well as providing areas where women can meet outside their homes and find ways to leave their homes. While this UN official describes the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan as dire, the current government has imposed severe restrictions on women and girls since regaining control over the country. The caretaker government has banned women and girls from education, work, freedom of movement, and raising their voices outside their homes. Additionally, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has recently stated that the current government's new laws have restricted the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens.

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8 months ago - 302 Visits

The United Nations Population Fund has announced that Afghanistan is one of the most challenging places in the world for women to give birth, with a mother dying every two hours due to preventable complications related to childbirth. In a report, the organization stated that Afghan women and girls are facing challenges stemming from prolonged conflict and restrictions imposed by the interim government. The report noted that the World Population Organization is providing services to women and girls to ensure their access to healthcare, support, and opportunities they deserve. According to the United Nations Population Fund, fragile healthcare infrastructure and limited access to health and reproductive services, especially in rural areas, pose serious risks to mothers and newborns in Afghanistan. The report highlighted that over the past three years, Afghanistan's prolonged crisis has been exacerbated by widespread economic instability, restrictions on women's work and education, forced return of migrants, and large-scale displacement. The organization emphasized that it has provided healthcare services to over one million people across the country each month. Piyu Smith, the regional director of the United Nations Population Fund for Asia and the Pacific, stated, "Only this year, the UN Population Fund has assisted over 660,000 Afghan youth, 80% of whom are women, through special youth communication programs. These programs provide healthcare services and livelihood support, including skills development for young people." It was further mentioned that climate change has also intensified the emergency situation in Afghanistan. Severe weather events have seriously impacted women's and girls' access to healthcare services. Recent floods have claimed lives and deprived some communities of vital maternal and reproductive health services. Mr. Smith indicated that the organization requires more resources to expand assistance to women and girls throughout Afghanistan. The World Population Organization continues to urge the international community to stand alongside Afghan women and youth. While the World Population Organization reports on maternal mortality in Afghanistan, the European Union has also expressed concern over this situation in the country. It should be noted that Afghanistan has had the highest maternal mortality rate during childbirth for years due to a weak healthcare system.

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8 months ago - 301 Visits

The United Nations Women’s Division has recently stated that women and girls in Afghanistan are trapped in relentless repression. In a message posted on its X account, the organization said: "Women and girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of their rights, have been denied education, are confined to their homes, and are now even prohibited from speaking to one another." The UN Women's Division emphasized: "This injustice is a threat to all of us. Raise your voice for women and girls in Afghanistan." It further noted that millions of girls are deprived of education and are confined at home. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, also highlighted in a statement that the silence of the world regarding the violation of women's rights by the current government has emboldened this group. He urged the international community to take coordinated and practical action against the repressive policies of the current government regarding women's rights. This comes as, following the current government's takeover of Afghanistan, women and girls have been deprived of their right to education and work, facing extensive restrictions. In recent months, the current government has announced the enforcement of its law on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice," which mandates that women cover their entire bodies, and considers a woman's voice to be part of "awrah" (the parts of the body that should be covered). According to this law, women's voices are prohibited from being heard outside the home, and women are not allowed to sing even in the presence of other women.

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8 months ago - 244 Visits

Abdul Ghani Saeed, the head of the caretaker government's appellate court in Jowzjan, stated that 22 people, including four women, were punished in public at a stadium in this province. Mr. Saeed mentioned that the whipping sentence for these individuals was carried out on Tuesday, November 5, at the stadium in Sheberghan, the capital of Jowzjan province. He emphasized that these individuals were whipped for crimes including adultery (sexual relations outside of marriage), drug trafficking, production, and consumption of alcohol in public. He added that the accused received between 25 to 29 lashes and were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from one month to one year. Additionally, the Supreme Court of the current government stated on Tuesday, November 5, in separate announcements that one woman and one man were whipped in Kabul, two men were whipped in Paktika province, and another man was whipped in Maidan Wardak province. The announcement indicated that the primary court in Kabul sentenced one woman and one man to one year and six months in prison for adultery and whipped each of them 39 times. The Supreme Court reported that two individuals were sentenced to eight months in prison for "sodomy" in the Khusamand district of Paktika and received 36 lashes. Furthermore, another announcement stated that government forces in the Saydabad district of Maidan Wardak province sentenced one man to two years in prison for "sodomy" and also whipped him 39 times. The announcement noted that these individuals were whipped in the presence of local judicial, administrative, and military officials of this group, along with a number of citizens. Since regaining control over Afghanistan, the caretaker government has repeatedly whipped accused individuals in public and executed five people in front of hundreds of spectators. Human rights organizations consider executions and corporal punishment to be against international laws and human dignity, calling for their cessation.

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8 months ago - 314 Visits

Officials from the Ministry of Education of the caretaker government state that the current government's priority for enhancing the quality of education in Afghanistan is religious schools. Mawlawi Karamatullah Akhundzada, the Deputy Minister for Islamic Education at the Ministry of Education, mentioned at a workshop aimed at improving the educational capacity and professional skills of teachers in religious schools that the government's main focus is on strengthening religious schools and enhancing the quality of education within them. Akhundzada added, "Thank God, we have thousands of religious schools in Afghanistan." He emphasized that the first condition for improving the quality of education in religious schools is to recruit the best teachers. Media reports indicate that similar workshops have been launched in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan to strengthen religious schools and provide more support to the teachers and students of these institutions. The Ministry of Education is focusing on strengthening religious schools at a time when education for girls above sixth grade is banned in Afghanistan, and women and girls are also deprived of higher education and employment opportunities. According to statistics from the Ministry of Education, there are currently 21,257 religious and jihadist schools and 18,337 public schools operating in Afghanistan. With the takeover of the caretaker government in Afghanistan, jihadist schools have been established across the country by order of Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the current government. Additionally, increasing restrictions on women, including their exclusion from education and employment, have led world governments to not recognize the current regime. United Nations officials have repeatedly used the term "gender apartheid" to describe the situation of women in Afghanistan, and the Security Council, Human Rights Council, and General Assembly of the United Nations have held multiple meetings urging the leaders of the current government to revoke decrees against women. However, none of these restrictive decrees have been lifted in the past three years. It should be noted that just a week ago, Khalid Hanafi, the Minister of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, stated in a speech to a gathering in eastern Afghanistan that according to Islamic laws, women are not allowed to say "Subhanallah" (Glory be to God) and "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to God) aloud even while performing prayers.

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8 months ago - 313 Visits

Sky News' sports section has reported that since regaining power, the interim government has not only banned women from education, parks, and offices but has also prohibited them from participating in sports. Some female athletes were forced to burn their sports uniforms to avoid being identified. The report states that after the current government's resurgence, the Afghanistan women's cricket team left the country and sought refuge in Pakistan. They later received emergency visas for Australia, and most of them now live in that country; however, after three years, their situation remains unchanged, and according to Sky News, they have become disillusioned with the international community. Furthermore, Amnesty International has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pay attention to the status of the women's cricket team and urged them to continue supporting this team. Previously, Stephen Cockburn, the head of economic and social justice at Amnesty International, stated: "The Afghanistan women's cricket team is a symbol of the women of this country, and the international cricket community owes these pioneering athletes the support they deserve. This support could send a strong message about the global consensus condemning the horrific treatment of these women." He added that while the ICC has rightly committed to anti-discrimination values, it must cease ignoring the brave Afghanistan women's team and provide them with appropriate support and recognition. This comes after the chairman of the International Cricket Council stated in November 2021 that the council is committed to supporting the development of both men's and women's cricket in Afghanistan. It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time such a request has been made by human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch also described the situation of women under the current government as "a form of gender apartheid" in 2023.

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8 months ago - 260 Visits

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, states that the Hazaras and Shia Muslims in Afghanistan are facing violent attacks from ISIS, as well as discrimination and marginalization in various aspects of life by the interim government. Mr. Bennett made these remarks at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York, expressing deep concern over the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, particularly the Hazaras. He emphasized that many Hazaras are Shia Muslims who are unjustly restricted in their religious practices, especially during the month of Muharram. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights stressed the urgent need for accountability and effective protective measures against violence and discrimination against Hazaras and other ethnic and religious minorities. During this meeting, he presented his new report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, which documents violence against ethnic and religious minorities and instances of "sexual assault and abuse" against women in the country’s prisons. The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan noted that the current government introduced a law on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" about a month after participating in the third Doha meeting, which not only intensified restrictions on women but also imposed limitations on the freedoms of religious minorities and media. The UN Special Rapporteur called for a unified approach from the international community to improve the human rights situation in Afghanistan, stating that a comprehensive, coordinated, and rights-based program must be adopted and implemented.

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8 months ago - 468 Visits

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari Since the takeover of the interim government in Afghanistan, the phenomenon of begging, which had previously existed to some extent in the country, has transformed into a widespread social crisis. Major cities, especially Kabul, have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of beggars. From young children to the elderly, everyone is seen on the streets and alleys of the city in search of a morsel of bread. This situation not only negatively impacts the appearance of cities but also reflects the deep poverty, unemployment, and insecurity that have overshadowed Afghanistan since the fall of the previous government. Women, children, and individuals addicted to drugs make up the majority of the begging population due to their heightened vulnerability. The widespread presence of child beggars in the streets indicates not only humanitarian and ethical concerns but also the failures of the educational system and social support. Given the worsening situation and rising concerns about the social and economic consequences of this phenomenon, the interim government decided to take serious measures against begging in mid-2023. This decision aimed to establish order and security in cities while also alleviating pressure on public resources. Following a direct order from Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the government, a comprehensive program was initiated to collect beggars from Kabul and subsequently other regions of the country. In this program, security forces collaborated with government agencies to identify and gather beggars. Furthermore, the government aimed to address the issue of begging structurally by drafting and approving the "Law on Collecting Beggars and Preventing Begging." This law recognizes begging as a crime and imposes heavy penalties, including imprisonment, for professional beggars. The goal of this legislation is to reduce the incentive for begging and direct individuals toward employment and productive activities. However, will this law and its surrounding issues effectively resolve the problems of poverty and begging in the country? The Begging Crisis and Government Actions With the re-establishment of the current government, Afghanistan has faced an unprecedented economic collapse that has plunged millions of families into poverty. International sanctions, recurring droughts, and severe restrictions imposed on women have all contributed to the exacerbation of this crisis. In such circumstances, many families have lost their ability to secure basic necessities and have been forced to resort to begging. The significant increase in the number of beggars on the streets of Afghan cities, particularly Kabul, symbolically reflects the dire economic and social situation in the country. In response to the growing phenomenon of begging, the government took action to collect beggars from the streets. According to new laws, beggars who had turned to this practice due to extreme poverty and lack of income sources were recognized as "deserving beggars" and were supposed to receive support from the government. This support included financial assistance, identifying the root causes that led individuals to begging, and efforts to create job opportunities for them. However, published reports indicate that the implementation of these laws has faced numerous challenges. Statistics provided by the government suggest that tens of thousands of beggars have been collected, but there are no detailed accounts regarding the amount of financial aid given to these individuals or the measures taken to address the root problems of begging. Roots and Solutions Published statistics from the government paint a grim picture of the begging situation in Afghanistan. According to these statistics, begging has become a widespread social phenomenon, not only in Kabul but also in many other provinces such as Herat and Nangarhar. The data also indicates that orphaned children, individuals with addictions, and many others have turned to this shameful practice for various reasons, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of equal opportunities. Sociologists trace the root causes of begging to the inability of governments to effectively manage the economy and combat poverty. In the case of Afghanistan, widespread poverty and unemployment are identified as the most significant factors exacerbating this phenomenon. Many individuals are forced to beg due to the lack of suitable jobs and sufficient income to meet their basic needs and those of their families. Despite the caretaker government's efforts to collect beggars, these actions have not yielded effective results so far. Superficial and temporary measures cannot resolve an issue rooted in the economic and social structures of society. To address the phenomenon of begging, a comprehensive and long-term approach is needed that tackles the underlying causes of this problem. This program should be based on field studies and consider the specific conditions of Afghanistan. Some of the most important actions that can be taken in this regard include: Economic Development: Economic development in Afghanistan is key to the prosperity of the country and improving the livelihoods of its people. Creating sustainable job opportunities with adequate income through support for the private sector and investment in small and medium-sized enterprises can significantly help reduce high rates of unemployment and poverty. The Afghan government can facilitate attracting domestic and foreign investors by creating a safe and stable environment for investment. Investment in infrastructure such as roads, energy, and communications will not only increase productivity but also contribute to rural development and reduce regional inequalities. Additionally, supporting agriculture and handicrafts that utilize Afghanistan's natural resources can help create added value and boost exports of domestically produced goods. Finally, developing vocational training programs and enhancing the skill levels of the workforce are other key factors for achieving sustainable economic growth and creating employment in Afghanistan. Support for Vulnerable Groups Supporting vulnerable groups, especially women, children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly—who are at greater risk of poverty and hunger due to various reasons such as gender discrimination, physical limitations, or aging—is both essential and humane. Providing comprehensive support services to these groups, including targeted financial assistance, easy access to healthcare services, vocational training tailored to individual needs and abilities, and the creation of employment opportunities, can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce begging as an inevitable consequence of poverty. Furthermore, strengthening social and economic infrastructure, such as ensuring adequate housing, access to clean water and sanitation, and establishing social support networks, can help reduce the vulnerability of these groups to economic and social shocks and enhance their resilience. Ultimately, the active participation of civil society and non-governmental organizations alongside the government can play a crucial role in accurately identifying the needs of these groups, designing and implementing effective support programs, and monitoring the execution of these initiatives. Combating Corruption and Fair Distribution of Resources A serious fight against administrative and economic corruption is key to improving the fair distribution of resources and reducing the deep gaps of social inequalities. Corruption, like a devastating scourge, has rooted itself in all layers of society and creates a vicious cycle that hinders sustainable growth and development. When public resources flow into the pockets of a select few instead of serving the entire community, class divisions deepen, and public trust in governmental institutions is severely undermined. By clarifying administrative processes, strengthening public oversight, and enforcing strict laws against violators, it is possible to gradually eradicate corruption and create a foundation for the fair distribution of opportunities and resources. Reducing corruption not only improves the economic status of society but also increases public participation in civic affairs, strengthens the spirit of justice-seeking, and ultimately contributes to the establishment of a healthy and dynamic community.

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