Category: Investigative reports

Migration and the experiences of Afghan women living abroad

Salam Watandar’s interviews with 44 married Afghan women living in Canada, Germany, France, England, Australia, the United States, and Russia show that while some women experience restrictions on their personal freedoms, social relationships, and educational and employment opportunities after migration, others report no change in their freedoms or opportunities and continue to receive support from their husbands and families. Thus, the experiences of married Afghan women after migration are not the same.

Changing attitudes toward marriage; girls strive for financial independence

“I want to continue my education, succeed, and achieve my goals. I am happy and satisfied with the decision I have made.” These are the words of Shafiqa, a 30-year-old resident of Kabul. A journalism graduate, she says she wants to achieve her academic and professional goals before getting married. Shafiqa is not alone in making this choice. Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with a number of women show that continuing their education, pursuing careers, and attaining personal independence have become their top priorities.

Low self-esteem; the bitter legacy of family comparisons for youth

Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 22 youth across six provinces of Afghanistan show that 20 of them identified harmful comparisons made by family members as the most important cause of low self-esteem. The remaining two participants attributed their low self-esteem to fear of social judgment and the influence of social media.

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.

‘Eid is incomplete without Henna’; the tradition of applying Henna on Eid

Eid al-Adha is one of the joyful Islamic occasions celebrated among people with happiness, solidarity, and family gatherings. During the days and nights of Eid, people prepare to create lasting and memorable moments in their lives. Among them are women who spend Eid nights baking cookies and ‘Roghan joshi’ before decorating their hands with Henna –a lasting tradition that still remains an essential part of the beauty and spirit of Eid in many Afghan households.