Afghan girls thirst for knowledge – the world must not forget them

Rahima and Sherbano are just two of the estimated 1,5 million teenage girls who have been denied their right to education since the Taliban took power. They and their cousins ​​want their situation to be highlighted. Photo: Cajsa Wikström/Swedish Afghanistan Committee

Of: Cajsa Wikström

The Taliban have been abducting girls in Afghanistan from education beyond grade six, men those who got the chance to go to school dreamabout one day being able to resume their studies. They need to bert sdeath, writing Cajsa Wikström at Swedish AAfghanistan Committeen.  

March 24, 2025, Debate

Munisa Rashid stays in Afghanistan - despite the Taliban's oppression of women

Munisa Rashid's life has been severely restricted since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan - just like most women in the country. She is no longer allowed to dress however she wants or leave the house without a male guardian. Photo: Shabnam Alkozay.

Of: Liljan Daoud

Since the Taliban took over the Afghan state in 2021, everyday life looks different for most Afghans. Their economic opportunities and women's rights have been severely limited. munisa Rashid, communicator at Swedish Afghanistan Committee (SAK), is one of many women in the country who are no longer allowed to start their dream education or dress how they want. 

March 8, 2023, Interview

One year after the Taliban took power: "Do not forget Afghanistan"

Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to repression under the Taliban regime, something Elham Kohistani, an activist, and Najiba Sanjar, a crisis coordinator and consultant, said at a seminar during Almedalen Week. Photo: Julia Lundén Azzeddine.

Of: Julia Lundén Azzeddine

One year after the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, the country is hard hit by poverty, famine, unemployment and dismantled health care. During Almedalen Week, several people discussed the crisis situation in the country. 

July 20, 2022, Almedalen - article, Reportage

Spring Brings Disappointment for Afghanistan's Women

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have - among other restrictions for women - restricted girls' possibility to go to school. Photo: Kajsa Waaghals.

Of: Arzo Bahar

Eight months after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, hope is paused as new policies restricting women are confirmed. These include an ongoing ban on secondary school for girls and increasingly stringent male escort requirements. Arzo Bahar, the president of the Female Staff Association of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, describes her experience as a working woman and mother, and the fears she has for her daughters.

April 26, 2022, English, Guest chronicle, Guest piece, Magazine

Continued humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

The situation in Afghanistan could be the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the UN Food Program WFP. Photo: Pixabay.

Of: Samira Issa

Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in August 2021, many countries have reduced or stopped extensive funding for the country. But several countries are continuing with humanitarian aid.

March 4, 2022, Notis

Hope hangs in limbo for Afghanistan

Millions of Afghans are facing starvation, displacement, and rising conflicts which is pushing the struggling nation to the deep end. Photo: Canva.

Of: Vedika Jiandani

The aftermath of the political fallout of former President Ashraf Ghani's government has been nothing short of apocalyptic for the people of Afghanistan. The implausible rise of the Taliban after two decades has brought with it immense turmoil and uncertainty for the future of the country.

December 14, 2021, English, Magazine, News article

Withdrawal of development aid could accelerate the humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan

This summer, protests were held around the world against the actions of the outside world during the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Photo: Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona. Source: Unsplash.

Of: Julia Lundén Azzeddine

During the intensive news reporting on the Taliban regime's takeover of Afghanistan this summer, Sweden's aid authority Sida announced that they will end million payments in aid for development projects in the country. - It will destroy development programs concerning education, health and more, says Anders Fänge, Afghanistan expert and board member of the Swedish Afghanistan Committee.

December 8, 2021, Interview

Week 47: Residence permit for Afghans and criticism of Black Friday

- Black Friday is perhaps the main celebration of overconsumption, write the environmentalists Amanda Palmstierna and Lorentz Tovatt on Aftonbladet Debatt. Photo: Artem Beliaikin. Source: Unsplash.

Of: Villemo Warnerfjord

During a week fraught with both a prime ministerial vote and a government crisis, much of the focus on Swedish debate pages has been on domestic policy. Global development issues have been overshadowed, but two themes that have been raised are Afghan residence permits and Black Friday.

November 29, 2021, Current debate

Afghanistan's conflict can only be resolved at the negotiating table

Photo: Canva

Of: Andreas Stefansson

President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that US troops will leave Afghanistan this fall. This marks the end of the United States' longest war in 20 years. But for Afghanistan, the war, which has already claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives, is not over. Now it is more important than ever that a political solution is reached in the conflict, says Andreas Stefansson, Secretary General of the aid organization Swedish Afghanistan Committee.

April 16, 2021, Debate