Supporting Afghan Women in Times of Crisis

Afghan families are enduring a devastating series of crises. 

A powerful earthquake recently struck eastern Afghanistan, killing and injuring thousands and destroying homes in remote communities just as winter approaches. The deadliest impacts were felt in areas where many Afghans had recently returned - or been forced to return to - from neighbouring countries, compounding the hardship for families already uprooted and vulnerable.

The forced returns from Pakistan continue to accelerate, driving hundreds of thousands of Afghans - many with urgent protection needs - back into regions now reeling from disaster. 

For women and girls, these overlapping emergencies come on top of what is already the most severe rollback of rights anywhere in the world today. Four years into Taliban rule, Afghan women face near-total bans on education and formal employment, alongside strict dress and movement restrictions. Increasingly, they are denied access to public spaces, and even basic services if not accompanied by a male guardian. 

These measures are not only erasing women from public life, but also directly undermining humanitarian operations that cannot function without female staff. UNHCR has already had to close returnee support centres because Afghan women aid workers were barred from entering.

“This was an operational decision. It is not a decision taken to punish anyone or to make a statement, but simply it demonstrates that we cannot work without female workers in certain circumstances.”
- Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan

Despite these constraints, Afghan women continue to show resilience and determination. Through MADE51, Afghan refugee women in host countries are keeping their heritage crafts alive, earning income that sustains families and preserves cultural identity. Each handcrafted piece is a symbol of dignity and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Yet even these lifelines are under threat. Ongoing returns from Pakistan are directly affecting many of our artisans, disrupting their ability to work and placing them and their families in an even more precarious situation.

“We have been fully engaged with our artisans, supporting them in every way we can in this difficult time.”
— Arsama, MADE51 Social Enterprise Partner in Pakistan, Pomegranate Seeds

Take Action

Humanitarian assistance is desperately and immediately needed to help the people of Afghanistan and avoid further tragedy. Please provide urgent support by donating to UNHCR.

You can also continue to shop MADE51 products crafted by Afghan refugees, creating new opportunities for displaced Afghan women and ensuring their skills and traditions endure.

Photo: Nida Mehboob

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