Afghanistan, the Taliban “explain” their ban on women’s work in NGOs: meanwhile, all activities of humanitarian organizations stop

ROME – No more female workers in NGOs operating in Afghanistan. Another piece in the gender apartheid wanted by the Taliban, who in the last year and a half have expelled women and girls from public spaces, schools and universities. In addition to gender discrimination, the latest decision threatens the survival of millions of people.

Four NGOs stop. The reactions were immediate: four major humanitarian organizations announced the temporary suspension of their operations in the country, unsustainable without female personnel. It’s about Save the Children, World Vision International, CARE International and the Norwegian Council for Refugees. Without female workers who make up almost half of the workforce, they explained in a joint press conference, it is impossible to reach the beneficiaries. Together with the UN they have called for an immediate lifting of the ban.

Assistance suspended. According to the UN, if the Taliban’s decision stands, life-saving assistance will be reduced by 50%. If operations are then suspended completely, 23.7 million people will no longer have aid. In a country where 97% of the population is below the poverty line and 70% is unemployed, the lack of humanitarian aid is a catastrophe. The four NGOs have been present in Afghanistan for decades and have supported millions of people with long-term actions and emergency interventions. “This is not a choice. We cannot provide our lifesaving support without our female colleagues. If we aren’t able to restart our community programs, the children will die…that’s how bad it is,” said Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children.

The attempts of the UN. Even the United Nations has suspended some programs in the country due to the Taliban’s decision. Martin Griffiths, UN emergency relief coordinator in Afghanistan, calls on the Taliban government to review the decision. His meeting with the Taliban is expected in the next few days to find a solution.

Women expelled from public life. The exclusion of female workers fits into a very specific groove. Since the Taliban’s rule, women have been expelled from public life and their human rights have been systematically violated. In a year and a half, the girls were removed from high schools, public parks, gymnasiums and public toilets. And then also from universities. There are 3 million female students excluded from secondary schools, and female education over 12 is temporarily suspended. One in four girls show signs of depression. There is also a strong correlation with early marriages: about 17% of girls get married before the age of 15.

A death sentence. Afghanistan depends almost entirely on aid from foreign countries. 75% of public spending is guaranteed by international aid. And millions of people have survived thanks to humanitarian aid: suspending it means condemning people to certain death. According to the latest figures, some 28 million people – more than half the population – including 14 million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.