UN-Habitat: Many people lack access to safe water
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Afghanistan says that many people in the country do not have access to safe water and sanitation.
Category: Soceity
Survey on artificial intelligence and Afghan youth
The survey on Artificial Intelligence and Afghan youth was conducted with 1,154 respondents across 32 provinces of Afghanistan. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence has become more deeply embedded in the daily lives of Afghan youth than expected.
Youth and AI; a favored technology with dual consequences
Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a scientific concept; it has become part of the daily lives of youth. From education and work to personal advice, this technology is gradually finding its place among Afghan youth as well. A survey by Salam Watandar, based on 1,154 young respondents (50.6% men and 49.4% women) across 32 provinces of Afghanistan, shows that 84.1% of youth have used artificial intelligence at least once in areas such as work, education, and personal life, while 92% of respondents are familiar with AI.
“Everything men order must be done”; gender inequality in families
Findings from Salam Watandar, based on interviews with experts and 20 women who have experienced gender inequality within their families, show that this issue has had serious physical and psychological effects on women.
Sacrificed for family disputes; the story of women given in ‘Baad’
Giving women in baad — a practice aimed at settling disputes between families — remains a harmful and ongoing custom in some parts of Afghanistan.
Youth in Samangan strive to promote reading culture
A number of youth in Samangan province say they are working to promote a culture of reading among the people, particularly the younger generation, by establishing private libraries and cultural institutions.
Domestic violence; a threat to the lives of pregnant women and their fetuses
Doctors warn that violence against women during pregnancy has irreversible consequences. However, some women, in interviews with Salam Watandar, describe experiencing severe violence during this period—violence that has even resulted in miscarriages.
Hospital for children with congenital heart defects to be built in Kabul
Shahabuddin Delawar, General President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), said that a specialized hospital for children with congenital heart defects will be built in Kabul in the near future.
Taking advantage of opportunities; a key to a better future for youth
Increased self-confidence, skill development, improved educational status, financial independence, and access to better career opportunities are among the achievements that youth say they have gained by making use of available opportunities. These accomplishments demonstrate that opportunities can fundamentally transform the lives of youth and open new paths toward progress and success.
Emotional support; a religious right of women in married life
Islamic Sharia and legal experts consider emotional support one of the fundamental pillars of married life and emphasize love, respect, and kind treatment between husband and wife — a right whose violation can even provide grounds for filing for divorce. However, a number of women complain about the lack of affection and emotional understanding in their marriages, saying that the situation has placed them under psychological pressure.
Living away from home; challenges of student life in dormitories and guesthouses
Findings from interviews conducted by Salam Watandar with 20 students who have come to Kabul from 8 provinces to continue their education indicate that rising economic hardship is one of their main challenges.
Adoption and its hidden consequences; the stories of adopted girls
Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 13 girls who were given to adoption show that these girls face identity confusion and, in some cases, discriminatory behavior.
