Category: Investigative reports

Birth rate increases in Afghanistan despite continuing challenges in childbirth

A number of women interviewed by Salam Watandar complain about the challenges they face when giving birth at home and in health centers. For this report, 10 women aged 20 to 48 from eight provinces, all of whom had given birth at home or in a hospital during the past year, were interviewed. The findings show that these women faced challenges such as the cost of childbirth and medicines, long distances and a lack of transportation, shortages of health workers and facilities, bleeding and severe pain during home births, as well as inappropriate treatment and inadequate facilities in hospitals.

Some youth learn practical skills through self-learning to earn an income

A number of youth say that, for various reasons, they have not had the opportunity to learn certain academic and technical skills at schools and universities. However, through hard work and perseverance, they have acquired these skills through self-learning and, after gaining the necessary abilities, found jobs and started earning an income in the same fields. Salam Watandar’s interviews with 24 youth aged between 20 and 35 from six provinces of Afghanistan show that self-learning has helped them acquire various skills needed in the labor market.

Poverty and long distances put health services out of reach for women in rural areas

Long distances to health centers, economic problems, and shortages of female doctors, medicines, and medical equipment have created serious difficulties for women in rural areas in accessing healthcare services. According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Health, more than 4,000 health centers are operating and more than 35,000 health workers are currently working across Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s labor market; more workers, limited job opportunities

Mass return of migrants, population growth, and the increasing number of university graduates is putting greater pressure on Afghanistan’s labor market while according to experts, the country’s capacity to create jobs and grow its economy is not aligned with the growing workforce. They say that if this trend continues, pressure on the labor market will increase, along with the risk of rising poverty and unemployment.

The stories of women who launched small businesses to become financially independent

A number of women say their businesses started with a desire to earn an independent income and gradually became a way to support their families, grow personally and create job opportunities for other women.

Five years of the Islamic Emirate; what do youth want from the government?

As the Islamic Emirate completes five years in power, a number of youth are concerned about the lack of sufficient educational and job opportunities. They are calling for more opportunities for education, skills training, and employment. Salam Watandar’s interviews with 28 youth, including 16 girls and 12 boys from 13 provinces, show that they face challenges in accessing education, skills training, and job opportunities.

The story of girls who have become teachers for their siblings at home

A number of girls in Afghanistan, despite restrictions on continuing their education, share what they have learned with their siblings at home. Salam Watandar’s findings from interviews with 21 girls in eight provinces show that preserving their knowledge, continuing their learning, and helping family members are among their main reasons for teaching at home.

From gold medals in sports to scientific achievements; Afghan youth showcasing their talents

Although many Afghan youth face limited educational opportunities, economic difficulties, and restrictions on employment, 16 young people told Salam Watandar that, despite their failures, limited resources, and a lack of adequate support, they have been able to succeed in sports, medical technology, healthcare, scientific competitions, and entrepreneurship, and proudly raise Afghanistan’s name at the international level.

When others make the decisions; youth under the shadow of judgment

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.

Maternal mortality in Afghanistan; when poverty and limited healthcare access put mothers’ lives at risk

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.

Women volunteers; the struggle to keep career dreams alive

Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 40 women volunteers across 11 provinces show that many women have turned to volunteer work due to limited employment opportunities, the need to gain work experience, maintain connections to their professions, develop their skills, pursue their interest in working, and serve their communities.

Between regret and hope; the stories of youth in Afghanistan and missed opportunities

“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.