I’m sure you are as distressed as I am about what is currently unfolding in Afghanistan.
As the Taliban regain control, the hard-won rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls are under grave threat.
In particular, extraordinarily courageous women human rights defenders - who have been at the forefront of the fight - are now exposed, unprotected and at very high risk. For many years with enduring impact, through Womankind’s partnerships in Afghanistan, we have worked with incredible organisations including the Afghan Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC), Afghan Women’s Network (AWN), and Humanitarian Assistance for the Women and Children of Afghanistan (HAWCA).
Womankind has joined efforts to call for immediate evacuation and support for women’s rights activists at risk in Afghanistan.
While the world watches in horror, here are three things you can do to help:
1. Amplify the voices of Afghan feminists through social media
When news stories are abuzz, it’s particularly important to tune into the voices of women on the ground. Here are three Afghan women who are bravely speaking out online:
Shaharzad Akbar – chairwoman of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (Twitter)
2. Call on government representatives
Write to your local elected official and demand that they put more pressure on the government to do more to help Afghan refugees. In your letter include that women, activists, and negotiators should not be left out of any plans to evacuate and resettle Afghans in your country.
If you are based in the UK, quickly find and email your MP using a handy tool created by refugee charity Safe Passage. Link here.
3. Donate to a charity or relief organisation
There are many organisations providing urgent support and relief to women and girls in Afghanistan right now.
MADRE – a global women's human rights organisation and feminist fund actively supporting women in Afghanistan.
Urgent Action Fund – a feminist fund that protects, strengthens and sustains women’s rights activists in Afghanistan.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – present in Afghanistan since 1987, the ICRC are fundraising to keep medical teams and physical rehabilitation centres open in Afghanistan.
Our hearts ache for the millions of Afghans facing this oppressive and violent regime. To quote Audre Lorde “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
We must do all that we can to pledge support and solidarity with Afghanistan today and into the future.
With best wishes,
Hannah Little
Supporter Care Team Womankind Worldwide
Header image: Protesters carry placards and wave Afghan flags as they march in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, in central London on August 21, 2021. (Source: AFP)
