Belgium will not abandon Afghan women

After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, Afghan women have been suffering hard times. Belgium supports (female) journalists, women's rights militants and uneducated orphan girls there.

In August 2021, the Taliban swept into the Afghan capital of Kabul and took control of the country's governance. The critical situation forced Belgium to launch an intense operation to evacuate Belgians and beneficiaries in time.

Oppressed

The Taliban installed a regime that keeps the population firmly under its thumb. The authoritarian theocracy suppresses fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press and the rights of women and girls.

Consequently, women are highly marginalised. Thus, millions of children – especially girls – remain uneducated because they do not have access to a school. Moreover, the regime has banned girls from attending secondary school. This led to a schooling rate of barely 3% for girls. Of boys between 13 and 18 years old, 44% enjoy secondary education.

Belgium provides support

Although Belgium does not recognise the Taliban regime, it will not abandon the Afghan people. For example, our Foreign Minister Lahbib is very active at the political level. Furthermore, Belgium supports a number of local organisations that discreetly seek to improve the living conditions for the population – especially women.

One of them supports press freedom and journalistic activity in the Central Asian country,  despite the difficult context. In an initial phase, a network of 100 journalists – 1/3 of them women – could be reinforced. They produced over 7,000 articles that the Afghan media – including in the diaspora – eagerly used.

Another organisation provides material and psychological support to women and their families who are at risk for standing up for human rights. They have built up two refuges for this purpose in the Kabul province, and more are on the way. Each shelter provides space for at least six families or 30 to 35 militants for women's rights.

In addition, it aims to be able to house at least 80 to 100 militants – and their families – in a well-secured location across the country in the event of an emergency. Beneficiaries there can enjoy medical and psychological care, access to the Internet, a child-friendly environment and a space where they can continue their work. They can stay there for three months, or even longer.

A third organisation focuses on uneducated orphan girls and young, vulnerable men, and their families and communities. This involves a total of some 170 youths who were not able to receive any formal education because they were banned.

The families will receive financial support, while communities will be supported through strengthened community organisations. The approach not only helps young people, but also creates greater harmony, resilience and cohesion within communities, thus reducing conflict.

Finally, Belgium contributes to a project by the UN Women organisation. The aim is to professionalise civil society organisations led by women. Across the country, the women taking part meet regularly to discuss their difficulties, share their best practices and receive training.