Salam Watandar’s interviews with 33 young people (18 girls and 15 boys) in Kabul and several provinces of Afghanistan show that interference and judgment from others have had a significant impact on their personal choices, education, social relationships, and other aspects of their lives.
Fungal diseases of wheat in the fields of Kapisa have raised concerns among farmers. A number of farmers in the province say that, in recent years, changes in rainfall patterns and increased humidity have contributed to the spread of these diseases, causing significant losses to wheat crops.
Postpartum bleeding, high blood pressure, and limited access to healthcare services are among the most important causes of maternal deaths in Afghanistan. This finding is based on interviews with the families of victims, doctors, international organizations, and the Ministry of Public Health. In this report, Salam Watandar interviewed 15 families, international organizations, doctors, and the Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate.
The United Nations has said that climate change threatens the lives and livelihoods of people in Afghanistan by reducing crop yields and increasing the frequency of natural disasters.
In recent years, climate change and prolonged droughts have had a significant impact on the lives of people in Andkhoy district of Faryab province. Reduced rainfall and declining groundwater levels have caused many wells to dry up, while agricultural lands are no longer producing the yields they once did.
A three-day exhibition of locally produced goods was held in Daikundi from July 26 to July 28, with 130 stalls, including 90 belonging to women and 40 belonging to men, from all eight districts and the provincial center participating. The exhibition was organized by the Department of Industry and Commerce with financial support from the Aga Khan Foundation. According to officials, its purpose was to showcase local products, create marketing opportunities, and support producers, particularly women.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Afghanistan has said that millions of people in the country still lack reliable access to safe drinking water.
In recent years, climate change has become one of the main challenges facing the horticultural sector in Samangan. According to officials and orchard owners, unexpected cold weather, early heatwaves, irregular rainfall, and the increasing prevalence of pests and plant diseases are among the main factors contributing to lower yields and substantial losses in almond orchards.
The high cost of internet packages and low-quality service have become major challenges for youth in Kabul. They say that expensive internet packages not only disrupt their online education but also limit their employment opportunities and ability to earn an income in the digital space.
A number of medical specialists, pointing to the harmful effects of energy drinks, warn that their consumption poses serious health risks to individuals, particularly women and children.
“I wish I hadn’t missed that opportunity.” This is a common response among the 31 youth interviewed for this report. They reflect on past choices, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled dreams. Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 16 girls and 15 boys across nine provinces show that education, employment, migration, and marriage are the main areas in which missed opportunities leave lasting regret and, in many cases, contribute to mental health problems.
Among shelves filled with herbal soaps, natural oils, and skincare products, women are busy packaging orders. This small workshop in Herat began with a training experience in Iran and has now created employment opportunities for ten women and girls.
