Afghanistan

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WPHF is following the recent developments in Afghanistan closely and adapting our efforts as the situation evolves.

The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) is supporting local civil society organizations across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan working to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to women and girls, protect them against sexual and gender-based violence, promote their participation in peacebuilding and recovery efforts, and strengthen the role of civil society in advancing Women, Peace and Security commitments. 

Overview 

In Afghanistan, WPHF has supported 112 civil society organizations under its Regular Funding Cycle and Rapid Response Window, and 411 women human rights defenders under its Window for WHRDs. 

In 2022, WPHF activated its Regional Response in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, supporting 136 civil society organizations under its Regular Funding Cycle and Rapid Response Window, and 412 women human rights defenders under its Window for WHRDs. 

WPHF is supporting local women’s organizations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan working on projects contributing to the following impact areas: 

  • Impact Area 1: Enabling Environment for WPS 
  • Impact Area 3: Humanitarian and Crisis Response 
  • Impact Area 5: Protection of Women and Girls 
  • Impact Area 6: Peacebuilding and Recovery 

Project Highlights 

Explore a sample of key women’s rights and women-led projects that WPHF has supported across the country:

  • Under our Regular Funding Cycle, WPHF partners have delivered critical support to women and families, including emergency non-food items such as shelter (rent assistance, tents, carpets, blankets, etc.), food, hygiene kits, and essential services, including access to mental health and medical services.
  • Under our Regular Funding Cycle, WPHF partners have increased the economic resilience of internally displaced women and girls affected by conflict in Afghanistan, helping them launch sustainable livelihood initiatives such as poultry farming, organizing vocational and business trainings, and providing cash assistance to establish small-scale income-generating businesses.
  • Under our Regular Funding Cycle, WPHF partners from Afghanistan have worked together to address intersecting forms of sexual violence and discrimination, providing survivors with legal services, psychosocial support, and referrals to other civil society organizations in an extremely restrictive environment. In Tajikistan, our partners have provided first-hand mental counseling to traumatized Afghan women refugees while also conducting special trainings and tailored information sessions on gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.
  • Under our Rapid Response Window, an intergenerational conference was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in December 2023, bringing together 70 Afghan women and key decision makers to highlight pressing challenges, develop effective advocacy strategies, establish solidarity networks, and engage relevant stakeholders. Afghan women peacebuilders from within Afghanistan and in diaspora developed a Call to Action to strengthen the role of young Afghan women in shaping peace dialogues, including urgent appeals to ensure the meaningful participation and safety of women in the peace process. Their Call for Action was then shared with key international actors and delegates from Members States ahead of the Doha 3 talks. 

Amplify the Voices of WPHF Partners in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan 

 

In Her Own Words: Meet Our Partner Mary