Category: SWN ENGLISH

Forced marriage; a threat to women’s mental health

Meanwhile, women interviewed for this report say they were forced into marriage without their consent based on decisions made by their families. According to them, these marriages have resulted in psychological trauma, dissatisfaction, and emotional difficulties.

Shortage of facilities lowers learning quality, say students

Salam Watandar’s interviews with 25 male students in grades 10 to 12 across five provinces of Afghanistan show that current teaching methods have not effectively met their learning needs. 18 of the interviewed students complained about the shortage of qualified teachers, while 11 reported a simultaneous shortage of modern educational tools and books.

Pregnancy stretch marks; from physical changes to emotional impact

Stretch marks, medically known as ‘striae’, are lines that develop on the skin as a result of excessive stretching. They commonly appear during pregnancy, puberty, or periods of rapid weight change. For many women, these marks become a source of concern about their physical appearance.

Compatibility in marriage; a key factor in preventing divorce

Kafa’ah (compatibility), also known as kufu (match) in marriage, is an important juristic and legal concept in Islam. It refers to the suitability and compatibility of a man and a woman in terms of features such as religion, moral character, conduct, culture, and economics. According to legal experts, juristic principles, statutory laws, and international law all emphasize equality and compatibility between spouses in marriage.

A woman’s effort to balance farming and livestock

Khanum Gul, a resident of Sarmata village in Dasht-e-Archi district of Kunduz, has been engaged in livestock farming for more than 20 years. Five years ago, she also started orchard farming. Her days are spent caring for her cows and goats, tending to her orchard, and working on her farmland—tasks that, despite the fatigue and difficulties they bring, have become an inseparable part of her life.

A woman in Herat creates jobs for female returnees through shoemaking

In a narrow street in Herat, the sound of sewing machines and the smell of leather fill a small but vibrant workshop, where Kamela Mirzaei—a girl whose life took an unexpected turn and who was denied the opportunity to continue her education—now works in a shoemaking workshop. She says the workshop has been operating officially for the past four years and is run with the help of her family members.

Salam Watandar’s special interview with the UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan

The unprecedented trend of migrant returns—particularly from Iran and Pakistan—amid regional tensions and Afghanistan’s economic hardships is pushing the country toward a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warns that Afghanistan cannot, on its own, withstand the simultaneous pressures of large-scale return migration, poverty, and climate change.

Recent rainfall renews hope among livestock owners in Sar-e Pol

Consecutive droughts in Al-Jihad District of Sar-e Pol Province have created serious challenges for livestock owners. Shortages of fodder, dried grazing lands, and water shortages have caused many families to lose part of their livestock or sell their animals to sustain their livelihoods. However, the recent rainfall over the past month has renewed hope among livestock owners across the district.

Hormonal changes and their impact on women’s dental health

According to dentists, hormonal changes during different stages of a woman’s life—from puberty and menstruation to pregnancy—are among the major factors contributing to dental and gum problems. These changes can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, tooth decay, and increased tooth sensitivity.