Implementing institution: War Child Canada
Country: Afghanistan
Source: CEI
Execution period: 2008 - in progress
Plataforma de Prácticas Efectivas:
To increase the well-being and economic independence of Afghan women within their families and communities in order to support early childhood development of children in vulnerable communities.
A literacy and technical training program for women, which is complemented by the initial education of their children.
In 2013, more than 700 women graduated in literature and mathematics, which has allowed 98% of them to create their own business and increase their participation in local political bodies.
War Child Afghanistan is a basic education program for extremely vulnerable women in the provinces of Kabul and Nangarhar. Their self-sustainability is sought through the generation of local entrepreneurship projects. To this end, the NGO War Child Canada works with the Afghan Women’s Council to identify them and build links with communities. The initiative is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The program curriculum includes basic skills in literature, mathematics, geography and civics, which correspond to the official curriculum of the Afghan education system. In addition, there are courses on religion (Islam), soft skills (negotiation, conflict management, among others) and more advanced skills related to business management. The empowerment of women is enriched by the initial schooling of their children through formal schools, with activities oriented towards basic learning, and the physical development of children through a nutritional program. The NGO also develops civic education activities with the community on topics such as women’s rights, children education, conflict management, among others.
After 20 years of armed conflict, Afghanistan became one of the poorest countries in the world. As is often the case in war contexts, women and children are the hardest hit by the weakening of living conditions. This is compounded by a patriarchal culture that leaves no room for women in decision-making. So much so, that gender gaps reach worrying levels according to UNDP. For instance, the difference in per capita GDP between the sexes is 83% in favour of men. The Human Development Index for women is estimated at 0.348 against 0.572 for men; only 9% of women reach secondary level, as compared to 35% of men. It should also be mentioned that 75 per cent of women aged 15-19 have become pregnant at least once. The set of indicators mentioned causes serious impediments for women to fully develop as citizens, and to take an active role in directing their lives.
In 2013, the NGO War Child Canada conducted an evaluation based on qualitative questionnaires. It asked 216 female beneficiaries and their husbands about the evolution of their economic independence at home and in their community. The analysis covered women’s involvement in decision-making as well as their ability to create and run a business of their own. The results have shown that 98% of the women who graduated from the program have created their own business and run it independently. Almost all (99%) women report improved participation in household decision-making. 97% have joined local political bodies, and 84% have noticed an improvement in relations with their community.
Considering these positive effects, the War Child Afghanistan program represents a timely innovation to combat the exclusion of women and their children. Likewise, one of the main axes is the inclusion of the community (especially men) through educational activities.
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