A Future Unraveled by Aid Cuts: Mahbuba’s Story

The Impact of the Suspension of Humanitarian Aid on Women's Lives

Balkh Province

My name is Mahbuba. Prior to the Taliban’s takeover, I established an NGO that focused on psychology, supporting destitute women, assisting street children, and raising awareness. However, following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, most of the projects were unfortunately halted. In response, I established a bakery and a carpet weaving factory, which provided livelihoods for thirty women and girls who had been deprived of work and education.

Unfortunately, with the suspension of humanitarian aid, I was unable to cover the operational costs of the bakery and the carpet weaving factory, which led to the closure of both enterprises. I can assure you that the day the factories were closed, the women left with tears in their eyes as they returned home.

Disclaimer: The following accounts were collected through interviews and translated by our team. They are presented as personal testimonies rather than official witness statements. To ensure the safety and privacy of contributors, all names and identifying details have been altered, and images have been generated or adapted using AI.

More Stories