"Why Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOs is Absolutely the Wrong Path

Here's the edited blog post:Why Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOs is Absolutely the Wrong PathThe recent decision by Afghanistan's de facto Ministry of Economy to revoke the licenses of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that employ Afghan women has sent shockwaves around the world. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed deep alarm at this move, warning that it will have devastating consequences for the delivery of critical humanitarian aid in Afghanistan.The Devastating Impact on Humanitarian AidAfghanistan is a country where more than half the population lives in poverty. NGOs are essential to the survival of millions of Afghans, providing life-saving support to women, men, and children alike. The decree prohibiting women from working with national and international NGOs will severely hamper the ability of these organizations to deliver aid to those who need it most.The Erosion of Women's RightsThis latest move is part of a broader pattern of restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan. Since coming to power, the de facto authorities have banned women from education, work, healthcare, and movement. These measures effectively erase women from public life, undermining Afghanistan's prospects for progress.The Unacceptable Consequences of Excluding WomenAs Mr. Türk emphasized, "no country can progress - politically, economically or socially - while excluding half of its population from public life." The exclusion of women from public life is a critical encroachment on their fundamental rights and freedoms. By restricting women's participation in public life, the de facto authorities are not only denying women their rightful place but also undermining the country's prospects for development.The Broader ImplicationsThe implications of this policy extend far beyond Afghanistan's borders. The restriction of women's participation in public life exacerbates poverty and hampers efforts to build a stable and resilient society. As Mr. Türk noted, "the global community has a stake in the future of Afghanistan, and we must all work together to ensure that it is a future where women are valued, respected, and empowered."A Call to RethinkIn conclusion, Mr. Türk called on Afghanistan's leaders to rethink their course, not just for the sake of women and girls but for the future of the nation as a whole. He urged them to reconsider this "deeply discriminatory decree" and instead work towards creating an environment where all Afghans can thrive.The Path ForwardAs we look to 2025 and beyond, it is crucial that we prioritize the empowerment of women and girls around the world. This means creating an environment where they are free to participate fully in public life, pursuing their education, career, and personal goals without restriction. It also means recognizing the critical role that NGOs play in supporting the most vulnerable members of society.By working together to create a more inclusive and equitable society, we can build a brighter future for all. As Mr. Türk emphasized, "the de facto authorities must change course" - and it is up to us to support them in doing so.Edits made: Improved tone: The original text was quite emotive, but the edited version maintains a professional tone while still conveying concern. Grammar and punctuation: Minor errors were corrected to ensure the text reads smoothly. Readability: Shorter paragraphs were used to improve readability, and transitions between sections were clarified. Clarity: The language was refined to make the points more concise and easy to understand.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.