رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد, نویسنده در رسانه گوهرشاد

Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

10 months ago - 272 Visits

World Food Program: Afghanistan Has Become a Focal Point of Hunger in the World

The World Food Program has recently announced that Afghanistan has become a focal point of hunger in the world, with three-quarters of the country's total population unable to have a proper meal. Hsyiao Wei Li, the head of the World Food Program in Afghanistan, warned that around 27 million people cannot access enough food, and families across the country need sustainable emergency food assistance to get through the winter. Additionally, Philippe Kropf, a spokesperson for the organization, stated that the World Food Program requires over $600 million to continue its operations in Afghanistan over the next six months. He emphasized that thanks to the support from the Chinese government, they have been able to distribute food assistance to 35,000 families across Afghanistan in the past month. This comes after last year when the World Food Program removed "ten million people" from its list of aid recipients in Afghanistan due to budget constraints. This summer, eleven million people were deprived of assistance, including two million mothers and their children who did not receive any special food to combat malnutrition. A few days ago, the World Bank also announced that Afghanistan, under the current interim government, is among the 26 poorest countries in the world. It is worth noting that following the current government's takeover of Afghanistan, family economies have severely declined due to the group's restrictions on citizens and a reduction in international aid.

10 months ago - 372 Visits

Empowering Afghan Women; Pathways to Innovation in Traditional Societies (2)

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari In the first issue of the article "Women and Entrepreneurship," we discussed the foundations of the research and defined its fundamental concepts. We also explained the role of women in national development, stating that women's entrepreneurship serves as a powerful force and driver that plays a vital role in the progress and prosperity of communities. This influence impacts various dimensions of national development through different pathways, bringing about positive and valuable outcomes. Now, in the second issue of this article, we will address the factors affecting women's employment. We will discuss the components involved in maximizing Afghan women's participation in the workforce and outline some barriers to Afghan women's entrepreneurship. The factors influencing women's entrepreneurship can be examined across four dimensions: individual, cultural, economic, and social. Examining the Impact of Individual Dimensions (Motivations, Personality Traits, and Demographic Characteristics) on Women's Employment In analyzing the individual factors affecting women's employment, attention to their motivations, personality traits, and demographic characteristics is crucial. These factors interact with one another to create conditions and contexts necessary for women's presence in the workforce or to create obstacles in their path. The Role of Motivations and Personality Traits Studies have shown a direct and positive relationship between self-confidence, positive self-perception, and women's employment and job positions. Women who believe in their abilities and possess high self-esteem are more assertive in seeking job opportunities and tend to perform successfully in the workplace. Afghan women pursue employment for various motivations, including: Economic Independence: Some Afghan women seek economic independence to meet their own needs and those of their families. This is especially important for women who are heads of households or come from low-income families. Empowerment: Employment provides Afghan women with an opportunity for empowerment and social advancement. By acquiring skills and experience in the workplace, women enhance their self-confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to take a more active role in decisions related to their lives and families. Supporting the Family: In many Afghan families, women play a crucial role in providing for the household. Employment allows women to contribute to the family income and helps improve the living conditions for themselves and their children. Impact of Demographic Variables Fertility Rate: Studies show that in many societies, especially in countries with young populations and high fertility rates, women's participation in the labor market significantly decreases. Increased caregiving responsibilities resulting from childbearing are recognized as one of the main factors contributing to this phenomenon. Challenges related to balancing labor demands with family responsibilities, including time constraints, childcare costs, and lack of appropriate infrastructure, are considered major barriers to women's employment. Afghanistan, with a total fertility rate of 5.1 children per woman, is one of the countries facing this challenge acutely. This rate is significantly higher than the global average of 2.1 children, indicating high fertility among women in this country. In contrast, the female labor force participation rate in Afghanistan is only 24%, the lowest in the South Asian region. This statistic clearly shows a significant inverse relationship between fertility rates and women's participation in the labor market in Afghanistan. However, the relationship between women's employment and fertility rates is not a simple linear one, and multiple factors influence this complex relationship. In addition to cultural, social, and economic factors, government policies, access to childcare services, equal job opportunities, and societal attitudes toward women's roles in the community also play a significant role. Overall, it can be said that in Afghanistan, the high fertility rate and low female labor market participation are the result of the intersection of various cultural, social, and economic factors. To increase women's participation in the workforce and improve the economic and social status of Afghan women, comprehensive and integrated policies must be considered that simultaneously address reducing fertility rates, improving childcare infrastructure, creating equal job opportunities, and changing social attitudes. Marital Status: Among women in Afghanistan, unmarried women enjoy greater freedom to enter the labor market and actively participate in economic and social spheres due to the prevailing social and economic structures. In contrast, married women face numerous obstacles rooted in traditional norms and a lack of supportive infrastructure. Societal expectations for married women to take primary responsibility for childcare and household duties are considered one of the main reasons for the low economic participation rates of married women in Afghanistan. This is particularly evident in areas where educational and job opportunities for women are limited. On the other hand, the absence of affordable daycare centers and childcare facilities, as well as underdeveloped public transportation systems, create additional challenges for working married women. These women often struggle to balance their family and work responsibilities, which frequently results in reduced working hours or complete job abandonment. Consequently, gender inequalities in Afghanistan's labor market have deepened, leaving married women marginalized within this market. Education Level: Official statistics indicate significant achievements in Afghanistan regarding increased literacy rates and women's presence in universities up to 2021. These accomplishments, resulting from decades of effort, were seen as a promise of a brighter future for women in Afghanistan. By acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, women made substantial strides toward improving their status in society and participating in various fields. However, unfortunately, since that year, we have witnessed a concerning downward trend in this area. Statistics show a noticeable decline in literacy rates, particularly among women. This sudden drop has raised alarms about the country's educational system, raising fears that the achievements of past decades may be completely lost. This decline in literacy rates stems from reduced female attendance in schools and universities (a situation exacerbated by anti-educational policies). This issue could have multiple negative consequences for the country, including a severe reduction in women's participation in the workforce and a decline in their employment levels. It is evident that the absence of women in various fields poses a significant barrier to the progress and development of the country.

10 months ago - 303 Visits

UNICEF: School Closures Lead to Underage Marriages of Afghan Girls

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has announced that the closure of schools has forced girls in Afghanistan into underage marriages. The organization published stories of several girls deprived of education in Afghanistan, stating that the restrictions imposed by the interim government have deepened gender inequality in the country. UNICEF's report highlights that girls in Afghanistan face significant challenges in their daily lives, and unlike many parts of the world, their rights have been stripped away. Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, stated: "Education not only provides opportunities but also protects girls from early marriage, malnutrition, and other health issues." Bibigul, a 17-year-old girl, is one of thousands who have been forced into underage marriages after the current government banned girls from attending school beyond their sixth grade. She told UNICEF about her deprivation of education: "I recently got engaged, and the worst part is that my parents didn't even force me into it; I just lost hope and didn't think I would find an opportunity to fulfill my dreams." Bibigul added: "Even though my fiancé is much older than me, I agreed to marry him." She says she would not have accepted marriage if she had not been deprived of her studies. Another 17-year-old girl, who has a four-month-old child, told the UN Children's Fund: "After the schools closed, I was told I had to get married because I had no other options." She added: "Hearing this as a child broke my heart and wounded my soul." This student was 14 years old when the current government closed girls' schools beyond the sixth grade. According to UNICEF statistics, from September 2021 until now, around 1.4 million girls have been deprived of education beyond the sixth grade. UNESCO has also reported that a total of 2.5 million girls are currently out of school, which constitutes 80% of eligible school-aged girls in Afghanistan.

10 months ago - 334 Visits

United Nations: 60% of Afghan Migrants Returning from Iran is Forced

The International Organization for Migration has announced that 60% of Afghan returnees from Iran are returning involuntarily, while the remaining 40% are doing so voluntarily. In a report expressing concern over the increasing forced returns and expulsions of Afghan migrants from Iran, the organization stated that from January 2023 to July of this year, approximately 1.7 million Afghans returned to their country from Iran, with most being expelled. The report noted that during this period, 841,521 returnees from Iran received assistance from the International Organization for Migration. It continued: "The International Organization for Migration and its partners once again urge all countries to immediately halt the forced return of Afghans, both in the short term and long term." The International Organization for Migration emphasized that until conditions are ensured for the "safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Afghan migrants" from regional countries, these countries should stop detaining and expelling them. Additionally, Abbas Stanikzai, Deputy Political Minister of the interim government’s Foreign Ministry, stated that Afghan migrants in Iran face many challenges and called on Iranian officials to treat migrants with "compassion and kindness." Mr. Stanikzai said during a meeting in Kabul on Sunday (October 15) that some media outlets and individuals in Iran are spreading false information against Afghan migrants. He expressed that this is being done to harass Afghan migrants in Iran, saying: "Our request from the government and leadership of Iran is to act with Islamic compassion and brotherhood and respect the rights of neighbors." The Deputy Political Minister added that Afghan migrants in Iran are "not a burden on the Iranian government," as they work in various fields and contribute to the development of Iran today. Meanwhile, some Afghan migrants in Iran have reported that Iranian police detain hundreds of individuals daily from various parts of the country and expel them after a period of detention. They claim that Iranian police even enter the residences of Afghan migrants at night to harass them. In a recent statement, Ahmad Reza Radan, the commander of Iran's Law Enforcement Forces, reiterated the emphasis on the forced expulsion of migrants from the country, stating that by the end of the current Iranian year, two million undocumented migrants are expected to be expelled from Iran. Mr. Radan, in an interview with an Iranian television station, gave a deadline for undocumented migrants to return to their countries by the end of this year.

10 months ago - 441 Visits

Commanding Good to Business Owners in Herat: Prevent the Mixing of Men and Women

Aziz-ur-Rahman Mohajer, the head of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Department under the caretaker government in Herat, has urged owners of halls, hotels, restaurants, and juice shops to refrain from allowing the mixing of men and women and the entry of unveiled women into their workplaces. Local media reported that Mr. Mohajer warned business owners during a meeting on Monday, October 15, that the law on promoting virtue and preventing vice must be implemented seriously. The head of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Herat has called on local business owners to strictly avoid allowing unveiled women, the mixing of men and women, and playing music in their work environments. He has urged the residents of Herat to adhere seriously to the ratified law on promoting virtue and preventing vice. Over the past three years, the caretaker government has imposed severe restrictions on the citizens of the country, especially women and girls. The current government has deprived women and girls of attending schools and universities for more than three years. It should be noted that the current government's restrictions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being denied an 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 both domestic and international non-governmental organizations, as well as in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.

10 months ago - 256 Visits

The law prohibiting the broadcasting of images of living beings in the media will be gradually implemented

Saif Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice under the interim government, stated that this ministry will gradually enforce a law banning the publication of images of living beings across all media. Mr. Khyber mentioned that efforts to prohibit the broadcasting of images of living beings in the media have already begun in some provinces. He emphasized that the law banning the publication of images of living beings will be implemented "gradually" throughout Afghanistan, and officials of the interim government are currently working to convince people that broadcasting images of living beings in the media is a "violation of Islamic laws." He made these remarks in an interview with Agence France-Presse, also stating that there is no place for "coercion" in enforcing the laws of this group; it is merely a recommendation and an effort to persuade people that this practice is indeed against Sharia and should be avoided. Agence France-Presse reported: "The new law of the current government, in addition to prohibiting the broadcasting of images of living beings, will impose other regulations on the media, including a ban on broadcasts 'contrary to Islamic laws' and content that contains 'insult and humiliation to Islam.'" According to this report, the law will also advise citizens not to take pictures of living beings on their personal phones or look at such images. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice stated that efforts to implement the law prohibiting the broadcasting of images of living beings in the media have begun in several provinces, but not all. He mentioned that the enforcement of this law has started in Kandahar, Helmand, and Takhar provinces. Agence France-Presse noted that on Sunday, officials from the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Ghazni summoned local journalists and informed them that the law prohibiting the publication of images of living beings will be gradually enforced. Additionally, local sources in Takhar reported yesterday that local officials issued a complete ban on photography and visual reporting during a meeting with journalists and local media officials. They emphasized that visual media should be converted into radio. The current government has imposed extensive restrictions on media over the past three years.

10 months ago - 349 Visits

Global Hunger Index: Afghan Children are Shorter

The Global Hunger Index has reported that Afghanistan, alongside Nigeria, is among the countries where the height of children has seen the most significant increase in short stature. In its report, the Global Hunger Index stated that 44.6% of children under five years old in Afghanistan are shorter than their age group, with this short stature resulting from acute malnutrition. The report indicates that Afghanistan ranks 116th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index for 2024, with a score of 30.8. The country is classified as experiencing "serious" hunger, with 30.8% of its population suffering from malnutrition. Additionally, it was noted that 3.8% of children under five years in Afghanistan weigh less than what is appropriate for their age, and 5.8% of children die before reaching the age of five. The report highlights that food security in Afghanistan has worsened due to war, economic instability, and natural disasters that disrupt agriculture and aid efforts. The Global Hunger Index emphasized that since 2016, Afghanistan's score on the hunger index has increased, primarily due to rising levels of hunger. Furthermore, families in Afghanistan are forced to adopt very stringent strategies due to food shortages. Global Hunger Situation The report also mentions that there has been little progress in reducing hunger worldwide since 2016, and the outlook for achieving the goal of "zero hunger" by 2030 is "very poor." According to the report, the Global Hunger Index score for 2024 is set at 18.3, which is slightly lower than in 2016, indicating minimal progress. These challenges include large-scale armed conflicts, the increasing impacts of climate change, high domestic food prices, market disruptions, high debt among low- and middle-income countries, income inequality, and economic recession. Additionally, conflicts such as the wars in Gaza and Sudan have raised the specter of famine globally and led to exceptional food crises. Moreover, internal conflicts in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Mali, and Syria have also contributed to food crises. The report identifies violations of the right to food and gender discrimination as factors contributing to increased hunger levels in various countries. Scores in the Global Hunger Index are calculated based on criteria such as malnutrition, child stunting, and child mortality, and are assessed on a scale of 100 points.

10 months ago - 425 Visits

Manzoor Pashteen: I Urge the Afghan Government to Reopen Schools for Girls

Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Protection Movement, has called on members of the Grand Jirga of Pashtuns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to support the reopening of educational institutions for girls and women in Afghanistan. Mr. Pashteen stated that the members of the Jirga should consider the issue of girls' education in their resolution. He urged the participants of the Jirga to ask the current Afghan government to open the doors of education to girls. He emphasized: "I propose to this Jirga that five million Pashtuns, including political leaders and members of other parties, jointly request the caretaker government of Afghanistan to allow girls' education." Previously, Manzoor Pashteen equated the deprivation of Afghan women from education with Afghanistan's backwardness and called for full access for women and girls in the country to their rights to education and work. Despite repeated and widespread calls to lift the ban on educational and employment opportunities for Afghan women, the current government has maintained its stance and has interpreted any discussions or proposals on this matter as "interference in its internal affairs." In addition to Afghanistan, many girls' schools have also been closed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In this province, the Pakistani Taliban has significant influence, a group that follows the ideology of the current Afghan government and has pledged allegiance to its leader.

10 months ago - 427 Visits

Iranian Official: 85% of Child Laborers in Tehran Are Afghan

Ali Kazemi, the Secretary of the National Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child at Iran's Ministry of Justice, stated that 85% of street and working children in Tehran are migrants from Afghanistan. Kazemi made these remarks in an interview with the ISNA news agency, noting that approximately 3,200 children in street and labor situations have been identified in Tehran, with 85% of them being "nationals" (citizens of Afghanistan). He emphasized that issues such as school dropout and financial difficulties force these children to stand at intersections. He mentioned that the Department of Foreign Nationals has expelled undocumented migrant children due to violations of national laws regarding children. He added, "The current policy is that undocumented individuals should return to their home country, while the rules and regulations of the country should be communicated to documented nationals by the Department of Foreign Nationals for compliance." In his conversation with ISNA, the Secretary highlighted that several crimes arise concerning street children. One is exploitation and neglect, and another is the school dropout issue for these children, which has been criminalized by law. It is worth noting that migrant children are primarily engaged in collecting garbage. Some of these children are unaccompanied or come from low-income families. The challenge of access to education for migrant children is also considered a factor contributing to child labor. Currently, there are no precise statistics on the number of Afghan child laborers in Iran; however, a member of the Tehran City Council previously announced that there are about 70,000 child laborers in Tehran, with 80% of them being Afghan. The spokesperson for the Tehran Municipality also mentioned a plan to collect Afghan child laborers and waste collectors, stating that they will be returned to Afghanistan.

10 months ago - 287 Visits

International Day of the Girl; UNAMA Chief: Afghan Women Become More Vulnerable with Each Passing Day

Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan), marked the International Day of the Girl by stating, "We celebrate this day with a heavy heart, as it has been exactly 1,120 days since the authorities imposed a ban on the education of girls over the age of 12." In a statement, Ms. Otunbayeva noted that the lost opportunities over the past three years not only affect millions of girls but also deprive families and Afghanistan as a whole of these opportunities. She emphasized, "With each passing day, more harm is inflicted on the lives of women and girls. Instead of progress in the country's efforts for peace, recovery, and prosperity, we are being pushed backward." Otunbayeva called on the interim government to change its current course. She stated, "I assure the women and girls of Afghanistan that we will not cease our opposition in defense of their rights, even if others seek to silence them." It is worth noting that the United Nations General Assembly designated October 11 as the International Day of the Girl in 2011 through a resolution aimed at promoting girls' rights. The UNAMA chief mentioned that the theme for International Day of the Girl in 2024 is "Girls' Perspectives for the Future." She added that today's generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises such as climate change, conflicts, poverty, and setbacks in achievements. Meanwhile, Afghan girls have faced severe restrictions since the current government came to power. Currently, girls above sixth grade are deprived of education in schools and universities.