Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a country in crisis, with more than half of its people living below the poverty line. (1) It faces major shortages of housing, clean water, electricity, access to medical care and food. Rape (both within and outside of marriage), forced marriage, prostitution, gender-based violence and bonded labor are all common. Denial of rights to disabled women and children is widespread.

The combination of these conditions has created a situation for the exploitation and trafficking of women to flourish. Research in 2008 revealed that females who are trafficked for the purpose of forced prostitution are currently criminalized and imprisoned, upon rescue. (2)

Read one woman's story of abuse in Afghanistan 

In May 2008, Hagar Afghanistan was established as Hagar International's first step outside Cambodia.  By July 2008, Hagar Afghanistan was fully registered with the government.  Next steps included assembling a small staff, assessing gaps in services, and identifying potential partnerships.  In spring 2009, Hagar Afghanistan entered a partnership with IOM (International Organization for Migration).  Together, we are providing much-needed shelter services to women and children who have been trafficked to other countries and returned.

A challenge before us is to adapt Hagar's model of social enterprise to the Afghan context.  Upon recovery, women need to have a means to support themselves, ensuring long-term economic sustainability.  We will seek to empower women in culturally acceptable ways.

As is the case in every country where Hagar works, staff members are guided by the biblical story of Hagar, asking, "Who has been cast out? Who is without hope? Whose cries are not being heard?" There are many, many Hagars in Afghanistan. 

As our work in Afghanistan expands in response to needs and availability of resources, more and more women and children will begin living in the incredible freedom of the biblical Hagar.

1 The World Factbook, Central Intelligence Agency . 2 Trafficking in Persons in Afghanistan, Field Survey Report, IOM, 2008.

READ OUR HAGAR AFGHANISTAN BLOG

READ ABOUT HAGAR AFGHANISTAN'S COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE


TALMAGE PAYNE, HAGAR CEO, SHARES HIS THOUGHTS FROM KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

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