AFGHANISTAN: WHEN BEING A WOMAN WITH AN EDUCATION IS DANGEROUS

Afghanistan isn’t in the news as much anymore, but for enormous numbers of Afghans, the Taliban takeover continues to have a devastating impact. Many of the country’s small Christian population are still living in desperate conditions in neighbouring countries, CHRISTIANS LIKE SITARA, NARGES AND MARYAM*.

educated women AT RISK

Sitara*, Narges* and Maryam* are living in a neighbouring country, but were at risk of being deported to Afghanistan. That would be very concerning for anybody – but these three women have diplomas from university. That put them at particular risk: going back would most certainly have grave consequences as the Taliban regime considers education for women an abominable practice.

In a video from earlier this year, Sitara said, “The world knows how the Taliban are against women’s education and women working outside. They don’t want women to be educated because they will give birth to educated children. They will give society educated children, who, maybe someday, will stand against the Taliban.”

Many people prayed for these courageous women. With the support of Open Doors, they were able to get official refugee status. Now, they all have their refugee cards and receive an allowance from the state. This means they can breathe again, without the fear of getting deported. People with refugee status aren’t allowed to work in their country, so the allowance provides the money they need to survive. It is a small amount, but it is still better than nothing.

Sitara, Narges and Maryam are so grateful to God for all He has done for them. They know this would not have been possible without the support of Open Doors local partners – or Open Doors supporters.

*Names changed for security reasons