In the rugged heart of Western Afghanistan, the people of Herat Province have been grappling since October 7, 2023 with a relentless barrage of aftershocks from a series of powerful earthquakes that surpassed 6.0 in magnitude. These seismic convulsions have left an indelible mark on this land and its people. After 40 years of almost-continuous conflict, Afghanistan already faces some of the world’s most alarming health statistics. The nation has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 638 deaths per 100,000 live births, as well as an infant mortality rate of 36 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, one heart-wrenching incident which unfolded in the Karukh district provides a stark reminder of the daily hardships endured by countless Afghan women. A local woman who sought refuge just 400 meters from the provincial government building in Taraqi Park tragically succumbed to death by exposure in the biting cold. Her demise was a grim testament to the inadequacy of shelter and warmth, and it serves as a stark reflection of the systemic neglect and trials that Afghan women face. This somber incident offers only a glimpse into a larger and intricate tapestry of challenges faced by Afghan women. It also underscores the complexities they must navigate—not only in the aftermath of devastating events such as the recent earthquake—but in the broader landscape of a country struggling from years of armed conflict.

Women and Children Last

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the recent Herat earthquakes impacted 7,500 pregnant women. The UN itself offered further evidence of the disproportional impacts of the earthquakes, noting that more than 90% of the casualties were women and/or children. Adding to the overall turmoil are the specific challenges to seeking health care within an already weakened system. On October 19, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that there had been damage to 40 health facilities in Herat province. The UN also pointed out that cultural constraints prevent women from sharing tents. The absence of male relatives for women in distress—which is a consequence of conflict and displacement—bars them from accessing vital humanitarian aid. Distressingly, there also is a conspicuous shortage of female workers at aid distribution centers, which leaves women in an even more precarious position. A recent mandate from the Taliban which took effect in December 2021 restricts women’s mobility without male companions. This is particularly concerning given prior data which showed that a significant portion of Afghan women had to travel considerable distances for healthcare—even before health facilities were damaged by the earthquakes. People must now trek even longer and more arduous distances to get the required health care services.

A Global Responsibility

The dire situation created by the October earthquakes has only compounded the vulnerabilities that Afghan women have endured for decades, and stem from the scars of prolonged conflict, sociopolitical turmoil, and the implementation of oppressive restrictions. In the wake of this most recent disaster, it is paramount that the global community acknowledges and confronts the unique challenges faced by women in these disaster-stricken areas, and how these new dilemmas are set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s complex and turbulent history. As in any natural disaster, the immediate aftermath of the latest earthquakes has offered a series of devastating tales. Homes were destroyed, families were torn apart, and essential infrastructure was crushed. Yet this new ordeal presents an array of specific threats for Afghan women, Sanctions and counterterrorism legislation against the Taliban regime have significantly limited external humanitarian assistance. Yet while these laws aim to penalize this specific group, the unintended consequence has been their impact on all Afghan women and girls for whom such assistance is a lifeline.  Isolation from aid and essential resources has led to a significant and alarming risk of a rise in malnutrition and disease especially among women and children in the country, and women bear the brunt of these harsh realities. Several international organizations also have expressed concern over escalating violence against women including child marriages in Afghanistan. A recent situation analysis shows over two-thirds of Afghan women do not feel physically safe. Gender-based violence is a dire consequence of any post-disaster scenario—including Afghanistan’s recent challenges. Historical data and anecdotal evidence suggest that women, especially in patriarchal societies, are more vulnerable to violence in times of crisis. In Afghanistan, deeply rooted gender norms contribute to the aggravation of violent incidents, especially in post-disaster situations. These acts of violence are not just physical, but also psychological, and further traumatize an already stressed demographic group. Girls and women in Herat, who have already experienced so much hardship, are now in dire need of urgent psychosocial support to learn how to cope with the overwhelming loss of their loved ones and move forward.

What Can Be Done?

As Afghanistan deals with the aftermath of the earthquake, the dilemma of its women, doubly marginalized by nature’s anger and man’s inhumanity, cannot be overlooked. It is paramount to design and implement gender-sensitive interventions in Herat and elsewhere. Measures that ensure women’s safety, access to healthcare, and their overall well-being must be at the forefront of these efforts. Ensuring that humanitarian assistance can flow into Afghanistan and creating safe passages for humanitarian aid is essential as well. But this must be accomplished by implementing culturally sensitive approaches which respond to the overwhelming needs of this region—including prioritizing women and children, setting up gender-specific relief camps, and placing psychosocial workers on site who can listen to survivors. Furthermore, all of this must be done by supporting local organizations and building their capacity to deliver services in an effective and efficient manner. These local actors must play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Numerous channels for utilizing localized support exist, with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) standing out for its unwavering commitment to emergency response and relief efforts. Over the years, ARCS has played a pivotal role in various initiatives, including deploying mobile health teams, empowering volunteers in community-based health promotion programs, and providing crucial assistance during times of disaster. In addition to ARCS, the Afghan Midwifery Association (AMA) is another noteworthy group—especially because it is one of the few organizations authorized to employ women in the midst of these tumultuous times. Both organizations are strategically placed to ensure essential health services reach women and children, including the 7,500 pregnant women affected by the earthquakes. The world must rally behind the cause of these resilient Afghan women, guaranteeing that they receive the care, respect, and protection they so rightfully deserve. Their strength in the face of adversity is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity, a spirit that transcends borders and knows no boundaries.