Care International

by Jenny Matthews

I have been very privileged to work in Afghanistan with Care International and through them meet some wonderful dynamic women. In small, sparse rooms all over the country hang photos of young men, killed in the various conflicts that have ravaged the country for the past 30 years. Their widows struggle to bring up their families in the face of poverty. Women with no education, no money and very little freedom, meet to help and support each other. A lifetime of war has taken its toll, but they put on the kettle, make tea, chat and plan how to change their lives.

Care has long provided widows and vulnerable families with food, to enable them to survive, but more importantly in a country where most women are illiterate, it has provided training and income generation so they can become independent and educate their families. Microfinance projects have enabled women to have some control over their lives –there is a scheme to buy cows so they can sell milk to get an income (with a vet to provide advice and practical help), another to train women as beauticians, much sought after during the wedding season. Other women have set up businesses as kite-makers, tailors, weavers and mobile phone repairers. Care has built schools and encouraged the education of girls. In poor communities it has facilitated the establishment of women’s groups where problems can be shared, and issues like domestic violence can be discussed. Many of the food beneficiaries have been trained as community health workers, making home visits to pregnant and new mothers to address the problem of high infant mortality.

Care International has made a difference by being there before, during and after the Taliban, and giving people, especially women, the means to improve their lives.

Jenny Matthews On behalf of Care International