What does the future of Afghanistan hold for women, children and families over a year after the takeover by the de facto authorities? What can we, collectively, do for the Afghan people? And what influence does the international community have?
Experts, grassroots activists, international organisations on the ground and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, debated these questions and more, at the meeting ‘A future for Afghanistan?’ co-organised by HealthNet TPO on the 19th January in Pakhuis de Zwijger.
More than two-thirds of the people living in Afghanistan are in need of humanitarian assistance as the country grapples with the worst winter in decades, economic collapse, rising poverty and hunger. Women and girls are restricted from public life, education and, since the 24th December, from working with NGOs – a decision by the de facto authorities that led many international NGOs to pause their operations in the country entirely.
Women working within healthcare are exempt from the ban and HealthNet TPO has continued its operations within its healthcare programmes as the organisation simply cannot stop providing healthcare to the people, of which the majority are women and children.
Moderated by Sahar Shirzad, the debate divided opinions on the extent to engage with the de facto authorities. One speaker expressed “there is benefit for recognition and dialogue with the Taliban, to have accountability”, whilst another suggested, “Recognition of the Taliban is not necessary, but we must remain in contact and dialogue so that we can continue our aid. The humanitarian needs are enormous”.
However, for one activist voice, any engagement is too much; “Engaging with the Taliban in any level will go against advocacy with women”, they argued. Referring to the restrictions placed on women in public life, one speaker called it gender apartheid. They questioned the lack of reaction from the international community, “Is this different to racial apartheid in South Africa that was criminalised and had international activism?”.
This call for a cohesive, principled international response was agreed by most speakers, with one stating it included “Governments, civil societies and NGOs.” For one speaker, the international community’s efforts would have little influence, saying “There’s never been a Taliban 2.0. They’ve always been clear in what they believe in. The leverage the international community has in money and influence doesn’t exist. They care more about implementing their ideological view.” They added, “the most fruitful way of hoping for a brighter future would be to empower the activists and encourage social change from the inside.”
The evening offered hope for many on the future of Afghanistan. What can we do for the Afghan people? Engage with them, support them and amplify their voices.
The evening was organised by HealthNet TPO, Cordaid, Save the Children and Stichting Vluchteling, in collaboration with Sahar Shirzad and Pakhuis de Zwijger.
