Since the Taliban takeover, we have lived like prisoners in Afghanistan

As a women’s rights activist and high-level government official for many years in Afghanistan, Najia Adeeb’s life turned upside down with the arrival of the Taliban. Yet despite her fears and the many risks, she continued to work as a Technical Health Officer with an international non-governmental organization (INGO), equipping midwives and nurses with medicine to take back to different parts of her province without access to health clinics. She also provided information sessions for women about hygiene and nutrition, until her contract came to an end a month ago.  

“I used to work in high-level positions in government, and now my children cannot even go to their school.

Before the takeover, I worked for women’s rights as an assistant to the provincial governor. I also served as the head of Women’s Affairs for about 10 years. Furthermore, I was a member of the women’s rights board.

Having worked as an activist for many years, I have also faced many security issues. My main problems are economic and security issues because I worked in many high positions in the past.

Under the Taliban, women are more vulnerable than other groups. Not only women, but their families also experience very difficult conditions. If the situation continues as it is now, women will face more and more issues.

 Men face many risks and challenges too.

Everyone wants the international community to arrange opportunities for women to work in NGOs/INGOs, but this will not solve the main problem.

I have one message for international community: Please do all you can to work for the future of all Afghans.”