Almost four years ago, Kabul fell, and the world watched. The media were covering the Taliban’s takeover from a range of perspectives: political, military, and security.
The humanitarian story was also front and centre, but not for long. It was debated whether the Taliban had changed and would provide women with basic human rights. Over the following four years, the devastating answer to that debate has become crystal clear. Concerningly, the public and media attention around this issue hasn’t increased as a result, it is disappearing.
This is central to why grassroots not-for-profit (NFP) organisations are uniquely positioned to deliver genuine aid, support, and empowerment to women in need.
We work for people, not for projects
After Kabul fell, many governments and multinational NFPs wrapped up their projects immediately in Afghanistan, leaving the people they had been supporting for years with nowhere to turn. Millions were left starving and destitute.
For organisations working on the ground with Afghan people, whatever was happening at a political level was secondary to the needs of the community which they were being confronted with. Though we share the same end goals, there is a difference between grassroots organisations and the bigger organisations. Our projects never have a start or end date. They are not defined around KPIs, or growth targets.
For us and grassroots organisations like ours working in conflict zones around the world, the people we are supporting continue to need our support, and so we continue to provide it. It’s that simple.We are committed to continuing our work, despite any changes which may occur, collaborating closely with like-minded organisations to deliver meaningful services to the community. As we do this, we’re constantly learning, adapting, and building the capacity and insight needed to do our work more effectively and sustainably.
Since the government fell in 2020, the demand for our services has grown over time. As stated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2024, approximately 85% of Afghans are living on less than one dollar a day, and UN Women has found 99% (in 2024) of Afghan women feel they have limited or zero influence on decision making in their communities.
While many multinational NFPs and government agencies are struggling to engage with the community and continue their programs, small community-centred NFPs are picking up more of the vital work.
We don’t assume, we ask
Unfortunately, a lot of well-meaning multinational NFPs and government-run organisations have the best of intentions but struggle to know what kind of programs, financial support, and other forms of aid will make an immediate and genuine impact.
Not long ago, I spoke to a large NFP that assumed women would want to upskill in the import-export trade and was consequently providing training in this field. However, when I spoke to the women in the affected communities, many could not write their own names. They were talented, creative, and had their own vision to design and create the most beautiful handicraft, ranging from textiles to jewellery, but becoming import-export specialists was not realistic, nor was it going to help them with their immediate needs. A more effective solution, and one we collaborated on, was providing an import-export mechanism for them to get their products out and into the world. Rather than needing to take time away from their craft, we helped them focus on harnessing their incredible skills, while we connected them with the appropriate people to help them generate an income.
Afghan women are fundamentally resilient. Right now, many are suffering from a lack of the most basic needs, and are finding it more and more difficult to seek an education or a livelihood. In spite of this, they are so skilled, and are constantly looking for ways to exercise their agency. Failing to tap into this skill and agency is a huge missed opportunity that can uplift entire communities.
This is a moment where the different skillsets of the smaller and larger NFPs need to better compliment each other.
But what can one person do? More than you think.
The world is forgetting the women and children of Afghanistan. We have a responsibility to remember and stand by them, and the opportunities to do this are boundless. You don’t have to be a billionaire or celebrity to make a difference. Do what you can and lean into your strengths. If you can write, then write about Afghanistan. If you can campaign, build a campaign to support Afghan women. If you can raise funds, put them to use in grassroots NFPs that are by women, for women.
Politicians and multinational NFPs have a growing responsibility to distribute funds and aid to people on the ground who can make a difference. If you work within these institutions, start discussions with those in power about how your organisation’s project demands might be in conflict with what people need. Ask questions about what the community is telling your organisation about their needs ,and compare the answers to what the organisation is delivering. Spark ideas about how government agencies, multinational NFPs and grassroots organisations can collaborate to reach the same end goals faster and more efficiently.
Every individual has power and influence in their own way. It will look different for each person. The mountain is not too high to overcome. We have the capacity and influence to change the lives of those women and children in Afghanistan who need our support. The potential we hold to reach them is so great, and that is why we cannot forget, and why we cannot give up on the women and children of Afghanistan.
Mahboba Rawi OAM is the Founder of Mahboba’s Promise – an Australian non-profit organisation committed to aiding underprivileged women and children and other vulnerable groups in Afghanistan, surrounding regions, and Australia.
Top photo – Pictured: Mahboba Rawi OAM, Source: Supplied
