رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد, نویسنده در رسانه گوهرشاد

Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

11 months ago - 464 Visits

Empowerment of Women in Afghanistan; Pathways for Innovation in Traditional Societies

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari In traditional societies, where patriarchal norms and beliefs prevail, women face numerous challenges on their entrepreneurial journey. These barriers, deeply rooted in social structures, not only hinder the progress and empowerment of women in the economic sphere but also act as an invisible chain, restricting the development and advancement of the entire community. Afghanistan serves as a concrete example of traditional societies where women entrepreneurs grapple with multiple obstacles. Gender inequality is deeply embedded in the fabric of this society, depriving women of equal opportunities. Among the manifestations of this inequality are the restrictions imposed on women's education and employment. Moreover, Afghan women entrepreneurs encounter significant difficulties in accessing financial resources and banking facilities. This makes it considerably harder for them to establish and manage businesses. Existing laws and regulations are often discriminatory and fail to provide adequate support for women entrepreneurs. The barriers to women's entrepreneurship in traditional societies have dire consequences for the entire community. Limiting half of the creative and innovative potential of society means losing valuable opportunities for development and progress. Therefore, overcoming these obstacles and empowering women entrepreneurs is an undeniable necessity for achieving a just, developed, and sustainable society. The Role of Women as Nation Builders; Beyond Limitations on the Path to National Development Throughout history, women have played a role that transcends their traditional duties, serving as foundational pillars of societies and advancing the development and progress of nations. The active presence of women in various fields, including entrepreneurship, is a testament to this claim. Multiple pieces of evidence indicate an increasing inclination among women to own small businesses and establish independent enterprises. This trend, alongside the growing employment rates for women at various levels, reflects the rising participation of women in the economic structures of societies. Although there are no precise official statistics on the number of businesses owned or managed by women at the national (Afghanistan) and global levels, evidence suggests a significant growth in women's entrepreneurship. Estimates indicate that women comprise about one-third of entrepreneurs worldwide. Women’s entrepreneurship is a dynamic process in which women leverage their abilities and creativity to start a business. This requires taking on various risks and challenges but ultimately leads to job creation for themselves and others, as well as the independent management of an economic activity. Women Entrepreneurs Operate in Various Forms: Individual Woman Entrepreneur: A woman who independently starts, organizes, and manages a business. Group of Women Entrepreneurs: A group of women who collaborate to establish and run a business together. According to Schumpeter's theory, an innovative woman entrepreneur is one who applies creativity and initiative to implement new ideas within a business framework. Karmal Singh, a prominent entrepreneur from Rajasthan, provides a comprehensive definition of a woman entrepreneur: "A woman entrepreneur is a confident and creative individual seeking economic independence, whether independently or in collaboration with others. By establishing and managing a business, she creates job opportunities not only for herself but also for others. Women entrepreneurs are founders or CEOs of businesses that offer unique products or services in the market and strive for national and global development." The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in National Development Women’s entrepreneurship serves as a driving force that plays a vital role in the advancement and prosperity of societies. This influence affects various dimensions of national development through multiple pathways, bringing about positive and valuable outcomes. Below are the most significant of these outcomes: Reduction of Poverty and Inequality: Women entrepreneurs contribute directly to reducing poverty and inequality in society, especially among vulnerable groups, by creating job opportunities and generating income for themselves and others. Economic empowerment of women reduces class disparities and fosters social equality. Job Creation: The establishment of small and large businesses by women entrepreneurs generates new job opportunities for community members, particularly women, youth, and graduates. This helps decrease unemployment rates and leads to economic dynamism and growth. Economic Growth and Development: The entrepreneurial activities of women are considered a driving force for growth and economic development at both national and regional levels. The innovation, creativity, and production of new products and services by these empowered women contribute to an increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the enhancement of economic development indicators. Innovation and Creativity: Women entrepreneurs play a key role in advancing technology, diversifying products and services, and creating new solutions to various challenges with their creative minds and innovative ideas. This leads to dynamism and transformation in various economic, social, and cultural fields. Empowerment of Women: Entrepreneurship provides a suitable platform for empowering women from various personal and social aspects. Achieving economic independence, boosting self-confidence, enhancing skills and specialized knowledge, and actively participating in public spheres are among the positive outcomes of entrepreneurship for women. Sustainable Development: Women’s entrepreneurship, with a responsible and sustainable approach, contributes to environmental preservation, promotes social values, and fosters equitable and resilient communities. These women entrepreneurs think about conserving natural resources and improving the quality of life for future generations through sustainable production and consumption practices. Despite the numerous benefits of women’s entrepreneurship, there are also several challenges they face in their endeavors. Lack of access to capital, gender discrimination, insufficient supportive infrastructure, and cumbersome regulations are among these challenges. This issue will be addressed in subsequent sections of this article.

11 months ago - 353 Visits

One Year after the Herat Earthquake; Victims Complain About Neglect and Their Problems

A year after the deadly and continuous earthquakes in Herat province, western Afghanistan, many families and individuals who lost family members and property, as well as their homes being destroyed, are criticizing the lack of support from international organizations and the interim government of Afghanistan. The earthquake victims state that they still do not have access to basic living necessities and are suffering greatly from their current conditions. They cite the lack of adequate shelter, insufficient healthcare facilities, absence of educational centers, and limited access to drinking water as their main challenges, calling for assistance from international organizations, national traders, and the government. Zalmai Farooqi, a resident of Nayeb Rafi village in the Zenda Jan district of Herat, is 35 years old and had four children. He lost two daughters in the earthquake, aged between 10 and 15 years. The village where Zalmai lived was nearly flattened by the continuous earthquakes. With a heavy voice and choked throat, Zalmai told the media that he is still in shock and has not been able to forget the immense suffering that the earthquake has imposed on them. He says, "I see my daughters almost every night in my dreams, and this has become a painful nightmare for me." He stated that he lost his home and all his belongings in the earthquake. Criticizing the organizations and government, he mentioned that many promises were made to them after the earthquake, but few have been fulfilled. As a result, even after a year, they continue to struggle with numerous problems. He also harshly criticized the houses that were constructed for him, emphasizing: "The houses they built for us are just shelters. There are no walls around them, no water, and no electricity. They don’t even have a toilet. Winter is approaching, and we cannot afford to build walls around our homes. Additionally, the prices of construction materials have skyrocketed." Government and Organizations' Promotional Perspective on the Victims Shah Mahmood, another victim of the devastating Herat earthquake, shared his struggles with the media outlet Goharshad, stating, and “We walk half an hour on foot we are facing many challenges. However, the government and international organizations are completely indifferent to our problems. They are only focused on publicity and baseless activities, neglecting the essential needs of the people." Shah Mahmood expressed that they are still confronted with numerous issues. He mentioned that the houses built for them by the government and some traders lack surrounding walls, creating significant problems for families both during the day and especially at night. He noted that for several months, the people of this village have received no assistance from the interim government or aid organizations, and they are facing severe food and health challenges. Shah Mahmood criticized the aid organizations for "turning their backs" on earthquake victims in Herat, showing no concern for their basic needs. This comes in the wake of a powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale that struck the Zenda Jan district of Herat on October 7 last year. In the following days, similar earthquakes once again shook Zenda Jan and other districts in Herat, leaving widespread destruction and casualties in their wake. According to international organizations, approximately 1,500 people lost their lives in these earthquakes, over 2,600 were injured, and thousands of homes were destroyed. The occurrence of these earthquakes has left thousands homeless and displaced. After these earthquakes, the United Nations, aid organizations, and the current government repeatedly announced plans to assist victims and construct shelters for them; however, it seems that these efforts have not been able to meet their extensive needs. 96,000 Vulnerable Children Affected by the Earthquake UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, recently released a report stating that one year after the earthquake in Herat, 96,000 earthquake-affected children in the province remain at risk and require further support. The report highlighted that most victims of this disaster were children and women, emphasizing the need for increased assistance for children. UNICEF stressed that the situation of earthquake victims in western Afghanistan is dire. The report continued to state that in the year following the disaster, UNICEF prioritized rebuilding damaged water supply systems, restoring classrooms, and ensuring uninterrupted health and nutrition services for children and women. The report indicated that over one million people have accessed healthcare through medical teams supported by UNICEF, including 400,000 children under five years old. UNICEF restored access to clean drinking water for 21,600 individuals and installed sanitation facilities for 25,000 people. The report concluded: "Children cannot thrive without reliable essential services, especially climate-resilient water systems. In areas like Herat, which have been severely affected by drought and are still recovering from earthquakes, we must ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water."

11 months ago - 333 Visits

US Institute of Peace: Millions of Afghan Women in "Fear and Uncertainty"

The US Institute of Peace states that the caretaker government of Afghanistan has issued over 118 restrictive orders against women and girls in the past three years, placing millions of Afghan women and girls in a state of "fear and uncertainty." In a published report, the institute noted that these orders initially deprived girls of their right to education and subsequently prohibited women and girls from working, studying, and even going to recreational places. The US Institute of Peace described the current government's attitude towards women as oppressive, emphasizing that after the current regime came to power, girls were first barred from attending school, followed by new restrictions on women and girls. The report mentions that the "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" law provides a religious justification for the government's "oppressive" actions, leaving millions of Afghan women in a state of uncertainty. The institute added that the full implementation of the "Promotion of Virtue" law could undermine fundamental human rights and strengthen an "oppressive regime." The US Institute of Peace presented a list of 118 orders and directives from the current government that primarily target women, labeling this law as "bad" and a "virtue for the government." The report stated that the "Promotion of Virtue" law undermines the rights of women, which have been hard-won over the past two decades. This American organization indicated that this law has placed millions of Afghan girls and women in a state of "fear and uncertainty." The US Institute of Peace emphasized that the current government has enacted a law based on its extremist interpretation of Islam that restricts all freedoms of women. The organization also mentioned that many religious scholars, civil society members, women's rights advocates, and even some officials within the current government oppose this misinterpretation of religion. It should be noted that the caretaker government, by endorsing the recent law under the name "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice," has imposed severe restrictions and prohibitions on the rights and freedoms of citizens, particularly women. According to this law, women's voices are deemed "improper," and there is an emphasis on covering the entire body. The US Institute of Peace has called on the international community to exert pressure on the government and support resistance against this group to prevent the erosion of human rights in Afghanistan. Recently, foreign ministers from four Western countries warned during a United Nations General Assembly meeting that if restrictions on Afghan women and girls continue, they will file a complaint against the current government at the International Court of Justice. The Secretary-General of the United Nations and 26 other countries have also supported this initiative at the International Court of Justice.

11 months ago - 376 Visits

UN Women: Afghanistan Faces Unprecedented Women's Rights Crisis

UN Women has reacted to the restrictions against women and girls, stating that Afghan civil society and women are systematically targeted by the caretaker government. In a published report, the organization indicated that Afghanistan is currently facing an "unprecedented women's rights crisis," with the current government specifically attacking women's rights activists. The report mentions that the policies and assaults of the caretaker government on the rights of women and girls have led to an increase in suicide rates among this demographic. UN Women emphasized that the current government has imposed severe restrictions on organizations supporting women and girls and has consistently suppressed their peaceful gatherings and protests. It added that the government has systematically and intentionally removed women from society and public spaces. UN Women stated: "The systematic repression of the rights of women and girls, arbitrary arrests, and threats against activists have rendered many organizations unable to provide essential services." UN Women also noted that during the three years of the current government's rule over Afghanistan, the organization has consistently worked towards empowering active women. While UN Women supports the rights of Afghan women and girls, the caretaker government has, since its return to power in Afghanistan, deprived girls above sixth grade of education and subsequently barred female students from attending public and private universities as well as private educational institutions. It should be noted that the current government's restrictions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to receive education. Additionally, over the past three years, many boys have been forced to leave education due to economic challenges. The United Nations and the international community have repeatedly called for the lifting of bans on women's rights to education and work in Afghanistan over the past three years; however, the caretaker government has so far ignored these demands. Moreover, women have been prohibited from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs as well as even in UN offices in Afghanistan. The current government has repeatedly stated that the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are upheld according to Islamic law.

11 months ago - 488 Visits

Photography and Filming Ban in Takhar; New Restrictions for Media

The Afghanistan Journalists Center has urged the interim government to reconsider its decision to prohibit journalists from photographing and filming in Takhar province. In a statement, the center expressed that this government decision will have detrimental effects on the media's operations and the public's access to information. The statement reads: "The Afghanistan Journalists Center, expressing deep concern over the implementation of this directive, calls on the leadership of the current government to reconsider this regressive plan, which has serious consequences for the media's work and the public's access to information." It further states that the current government's ban on photography and filming was enacted following the ratification of the group's law on promoting virtue and preventing vice, which prohibits the recording of "live images." This decision was made on the 4th of Mehr by Habibullah Hanifi, the head of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Takhar province, who has barred journalists from recording reports and interviews. Additionally, previously, the national television under the current government's management in Kandahar was shut down for broadcasting live images. It is noteworthy that following the interim government's takeover of Afghanistan, the state has imposed strict restrictions on media and journalists in the country.

11 months ago - 407 Visits

Third Year of Prohibition; The Expansion of Deprivation of Education for Girls in Afghanistan

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari It has been three years since the current regime in Afghanistan abruptly and unjustly issued a decree banning the education of girls above the sixth grade across the country. This decision has not only seriously impacted and ruined the future of millions of Afghan girls, but it has also become one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. With each passing day, more Afghan girls are deprived of their fundamental right to education. This prohibition has turned the dreams and hopes of a generation of girls to ashes, preventing them from the opportunity for growth and flourishing. According to the latest statistics published by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), this year alone, 38,000 more girls have joined the ranks of those unable to continue their education due to this ban. This alarming statistic highlights the depth of the catastrophe that has befallen Afghan girls. This prohibition harms not only individual girls but the entire society of Afghanistan; depriving half of the population from education means denying the whole society access to skilled and specialized labor. Countries that deny their women and girls the right to education will face long-term economic, social, and even cultural crises. Why Doesn't the Interim Government Lift the Ban on Girls' Education? Since the current regime took control of Afghanistan and imposed the ban on girls' education beyond the sixth grade, this government has steadfastly maintained its decision despite internal and international pressures. The authorities have yet to provide a clear and convincing reason for this decision and have not responded to widespread criticism from human rights activists, civil society, and even some religious leaders. This significant silence and the government's repressive approach toward educational activists have fueled speculation about the true motives of the interim government. Government officials have put forth various justifications for this ban, each of which has proven to be weak and unfounded. Initially, the lack of a "suitable environment" for separate girls' education was cited as an excuse, which quickly contradicted the educational realities of Afghanistan prior to this regime's takeover. Then, the current rulers claimed that cultural reasons led people to oppose girls' education beyond the sixth grade. However, this assertion was met with strong backlash from community leaders and civil activists who emphasized the people's desire for their daughters' education. With these justifications failing, the regime turned to a repressive approach, detaining and imprisoning educational activists. The arrests of activists like Ahmad Fahim Azimi and Matiullah Waisa illustrate that the government is not only unwilling to provide a logical justification for this ban but also fears any form of dissent and criticism. Furthermore, the insistence on this unjust and inhumane decision to prohibit girls' education stems from regressive and narrow-minded ideologies that not only contradict human values but also conflict with authentic Islamic teachings. Depriving girls of their right to education means denying them the tools for growth, advancement, and independence. This repressive approach not only harms the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens, particularly women and girls, but also poses a serious threat to the future of the country. The international community and global institutions must increase their pressure on this government to lift such oppressive bans and defend the basic rights of the people of Afghanistan. Devastating Consequences The policies of the caretaker government in Afghanistan have had severe and destructive repercussions on the lives of women and girls in the country. These consequences affect not only individual and social dimensions but also economic aspects and even the mental health of Afghan women and girls. According to Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, 90% of Afghan women and girls describe their mental health as "poor" or "very poor." This statistic alone highlights the depth of the tragedy imposed on this segment of society. Afghan women acknowledge that over time and with changing seasons, their psychological state is increasingly deteriorating, with many resorting to suicidal actions. Severe restrictions on education are one of the most significant consequences of these policies. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned that as a result of these policies, half of Afghanistan's population will remain illiterate. Illiteracy poses a serious barrier to full participation in society and leads to widespread unemployment, poverty, and health and psychological issues. Meanwhile, UNESCO emphasizes that reading and writing is the first message from God in the Holy Quran. Nevertheless, the current rulers of Afghanistan continue to insist on banning education for girls, creating an uncertain future for the next generations of this country. A generation of illiterate women will give rise to a generation of illiterate mothers who, in turn, will deprive their children of the right to education. This vicious cycle will entrench illiteracy in Afghan society for decades and across several generations. The repercussions of this situation extend beyond individuals and families, impacting the entire Afghan community. The decline in literacy levels will pose a significant obstacle to the development and progress of Afghanistan, trapping the country in poverty and backwardness.

11 months ago - 406 Visits

World Health Organization: 22 Cases of Polio Recorded in Afghanistan This Year

The World Health Organization has recently announced that from August 21 to September 1, three new cases of polio have been reported in the provinces of Kandahar and Helmand. In a report published, it stated that since the beginning of this year, 22 cases of polio have been reported in Afghanistan. The report, released on Monday (October 1), noted that three new cases of polio in Afghanistan were reported from the districts of Maiwand and Ghorak in Kandahar and the district of Nahr-e-Siraj in Helmand. According to the report, since the beginning of the year, 24 cases of polio have also been reported in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad in Pakistan. This comes as only six cases of polio were reported in Afghanistan and six in Pakistan last year. It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan and Pakistan have yet to eradicate polio. Despite this ongoing challenge, the interim government recently suspended the polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan. Polio is a contagious virus that primarily affects children under five years old, but it is said that any unvaccinated individual can also be at risk of contracting it.

11 months ago - 403 Visits

Protesters in Canada: "Stop the Genocide of Hazaras" in Afghanistan

Hundreds of Afghan citizens in Canada gathered in Vancouver and Ottawa to mark the anniversary of the start of the "genocide of Hazaras" in Afghanistan and in response to the massacre of residents in Daykundi province. On Sunday, October 1st, local time, Afghan citizens chanted "Immediate Stop to the Genocide of Hazaras," calling on international human rights organizations to recognize the crimes against Hazaras in Afghanistan as genocide. The protesters emphasized the need for justice for victims of human rights violations and demanded continued advocacy for human rights, especially for women and minorities in Afghanistan. They commemorated the victims of this genocide, marking its 132nd anniversary this year, and called for greater attention from the international community to the situation of Hazaras. The demonstration concluded with the reading of a resolution. The resolution urged the international community to recognize the ongoing genocide against Hazaras—Shia Muslims in Afghanistan—and acknowledge the systematic nature of human rights violations against them. Participants also called for immediate action to protect Hazaras under international law to prevent further genocide under the current regime. It should be noted that the resolution requested that the Canadian government and the international community refrain from normalizing relations with the current government and utilize all means to hold this group accountable for human rights violations. Additionally, protesters suggested that Canada initiate an independent investigation by the United Nations into the human rights situation of Hazaras and issue a resolution for their immediate protection. This comes after on September 13, 14 residents of the "Qaryodal" village in the Sangtakht district of Daykundi province were killed by armed individuals near the border of this province with Ghor. The responsibility for this massacre was claimed by ISIS. It is important to note that among those killed was a resident of Ghor province as well.

11 months ago - 314 Visits

One in Three Girls in Afghanistan Forced to Leave Primary Education

The World Food Program has announced that one in three girls in Afghanistan cannot complete their primary education. Today (Sunday, September 29), this organization expressed concern over the ban on education for girls above the sixth grade in Afghanistan through a statement on its X account. The World Food Program emphasized that although secondary and higher education for girls has been banned by the interim government, many girls are forced to leave primary education early due to poverty. The statement mentioned that many Afghan children live primarily on bread and tea. This organization added that following the takeover by the interim government, Afghanistan has been engulfed in a severe economic crisis that poses a threat to many lives. The World Food Program noted that due to budget shortages, it can currently assist only one million hungry people in Afghanistan. It further stated that an additional 11 million people have been removed from the food assistance process. Additionally, part of the statement mentioned that 1.4 million mothers and children are suffering from malnutrition and need specialized food, but this organization is unable to help them. According to statistics from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), due to the policy banning education for girls above the sixth grade, 1.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of education. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, had previously stated that an additional 38,000 girls would be deprived of schooling this year. This comes after the interim government suspended education for girls above the sixth grade on September 17, 2021, shortly after taking power. Although it was initially claimed that this ban was temporary, it has still not been lifted after three years.

11 months ago - 349 Visits

Indonesian Foreign Minister: Education for Afghan Girls Must Be Guaranteed

Retno Marsudi, the Indonesian Foreign Minister, stated that women play a crucial role in establishing inclusive peace, and the education of women and girls in Afghanistan must be guaranteed. Ms. Marsudi made these remarks at the seventy-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the need to ensure the education of girls and women in Afghanistan under the control of the interim government. She added that "investing in women is investing in peace" and expressed her commitment to working towards this goal. This comes as Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada announced in a joint statement that they will file a complaint against the current government at the International Court of Justice for "violating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women." These four countries warned that if the interim government does not end human rights violations, especially against women's rights, within six months, they will take them to The Hague. The actions of Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada have received widespread support both within Afghanistan and from countries around the world. Additionally, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, wrote in a message on his X account that he supports all countries and organizations advocating for the removal of "discriminatory" restrictions against women and girls imposed by the current government.