Guardianless Women in Kabul Face Severe Poverty and Economic Challenges

Guardianless women in Kabul are complaining about their difficult living conditions amid rising economic challenges in Afghanistan. They say they rely on daily aid to meet their families' basic needs.

Sadiqua, head of a family with three children, sells vegetables despite health problems. Her husband left years ago due to addiction. "I am Jawad's wife, I have three children, I sell vegetables with great difficulties, I bring five loaves of bread home, I have nothing at home and I myself am sick," Sadiqua said. Due to illness, she lacks the ability for fixed work and most days sells vegetables beside shops or in alleys, or waits for help. She added that small aids are sometimes the only way to provide her family's daily food.

Shakira, Sadiqua's daughter, said: "When I see the neighbor's children who have everything, I wish my mother would work and bring food home, and when my mother brings nothing, I become very heartbroken."

Economic expert Mir Shakir Yaqubi called for serious support for guardianless women, especially heads of household, from the Islamic Emirate and aid organizations. "Given the bad economic situation in Afghanistan, especially for guardianless women, the Government of Afghanistan needs to address their situation, aid needs to be increased and sustainable, and some job opportunities created," Yaqubi said.

Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said efforts continue to attract humanitarian aid and address the needy. "In this sector, there are a number of ministries and departments that have support programs; they have programs for the deserving in terms of food items and cash aid, especially destitute families, and alongside this, we are striving to have the support of the international community, partner institutions, and UN offices," Habib said.

Many needy families in Afghanistan still face economic problems, lack of job opportunities, and demand more attention and support from responsible entities and aid organizations.