Afghanaid – A Brief Introduction

About Afghanaid

Our vision is for an Afghanistan that is peaceful, politically and economically independent, a just society where there is no poverty.

We are an international humanitarian and development charity, created in 1983. Despite 30 consecutive years of war in Afghanistan, Afghanaid has never left. We work alongside local communities in some of the most poor and remote rural areas, focusing on long-term sustainability, enabling development and hope. We have built roads, schools, improved health and access to education, improved agriculture and rural businesses. We are working to give Afghans the security and ability to shape their future.

Our Head Office is in Kabul, Afghanistan with around 400 members of staff. Over 90% of our staff are Afghans. Afghanaid also has a fundraising office in London.

Life as a woman in Afghanistan

Afghanistan remains one of the hardest places in the world to be female. Fifty-two percent of Afghan women are married by the age of 20, giving birth to an average of 5 children. Every two hours, a pregnant woman dies.

Afghanaid’s work with women

In meetings with our local staff, Afghan women told us that business opportunities give them a sense of worth and a voice in their communities. Through our work during the last year 5,000 women have established small businesses.

These women have learned to read and write; they have also acquired vocational and business skills. Through skills training, we help women to gain confidence, become respected in their communities and pass on their knowledge to others- rebuilding Afghanistan step-by-step.