In the face of adversity and oppression, one aid worker in Afghanistan is exemplifying resilience and determination, choosing to confront challenges head-on rather than succumb to fear, OCHA reported.
Haya, a Public Information Officer with the UN in Afghanistan, has been steadfast in her commitment to humanitarian work despite the turbulent landscape of her homeland. With a career spanning various roles within the UN, including advocating for women's rights and gender mainstreaming, Haya's dedication to her cause is unwavering.
The road to success has not been without its obstacles. The takeover by the de facto authorities (DfA) in August 2021 brought about severe restrictions on the rights and freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan. Forced to work remotely and navigate a rapidly shrinking space for women, Haya faced the difficult decision of whether to stay or leave the country. But as the breadwinner for her family and the eldest of four sisters, she chose to stay and fight, not just for herself but for the future of her siblings.
“I was very unhappy with the DfA’s restrictions on women working. However, as one of the few women who came back to work when the option was presented, I knew that even though my fight-or-flight response was triggered, I had to stay and fight – not just for me but also for my sisters,” Haya voiced.
Since making the courageous decision to remain in Afghanistan, Haya has continued to make strides in her career, advocating for women's empowerment and amplifying their voices in society. Despite the challenges imposed by the DfA, she remains undeterred in her mission to create positive change.
But Haya's commitment extends beyond her own career aspirations. Recognizing the value of education, she invested in her sister's future, enabling her to pursue a career in medicine. Now a graduate, her sister is serving her community as a doctor, embodying the spirit of resilience and empowerment that Haya stands for.
“I see the value of the investment in my education, so I also invested in my sister, who studied medicine, by paying for her university education. Now that she’s graduated, she’s joined other female doctors on a part-time and volunteer basis in local government and private hospitals, where she serves her community,” she shared.
In a country where fear often dictates actions, Haya is a beacon of hope, encouraging educated women to embrace self-reliance and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the ongoing struggle against oppressive regulations, she remains optimistic about the potential for change and continues to advocate for progress.
”I encourage educated women to try and be independent to the best of their abilities. They must be their own primary responders, relying on their own strength and resourcefulness before seeking external assistance. This self-reliance is key to navigating challenging situations with resilience and determination,” Haya noted.
In 2002, Afghan women marked International Women’s Day with hope after years of oppression under the Taliban. The international community pledged support for Afghan women's rights, emphasizing the need for tangible actions beyond mere expressions of solidarity.
Afghan women continue to face severe restrictions on their rights, including education, work, healthcare, and freedom of movement. Experts called on the Taliban to lift these restrictions, especially concerning education and employment, ahead of the upcoming school year. They urged adherence to international human rights treaties, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which Afghanistan is a signatory.
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