Dikurniakan kehidupan yang baik dan stabil tidak sekali pun menjadikan wanita ini terus berada di zon selesa, malah kudrat yang ada disalurkan pula kepada mereka yang memerlukan melalui misi kemanusiaan yang disertainya sejak 17 tahun lalu.

Berkesempatan menemui Siti Fadilah Mohd Hood, 41, baru-baru ini menyingkap pembabitan wanita ini dalam bidang kemanusiaan yang begitu dekat di hatinya sejak bergelar pelajar di Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) dalam jurusan Kejuruteraan Bioteknologi.

Menurut Siti Fadilah, pada waktu itu, aktiviti amal dan kemasyarakatan ialah sesuatu yang biasa bagi pelajar-pelajar UIAM tetapi tidak bagi pelajar-pelajar kejuruteraan yang banyak menghabiskan masa di makmal dan bengkel.

Melihat rakan-rakan daripada Fakulti Ekonomi, Sains Kemanusiaan, dan Undang-Undang yang aktif berpersatuan, Siti Fadilah turut berhasrat untuk terlibat dengan aktiviti kesukarelawan satu hari nanti.

“Alhamdulillah, sepanjang belajar di UIAM, saya sempat mengikuti satu aktiviti kesukarelawan bersama orang asli. Sejak itu, saya memasang niat untuk terus melakukan kerja-kerja amal.

“Saya masih ingat, waktu saya hamil anak pertama dan sedang menyiapkan projek tahun akhir di dalam makmal, saya pernah terdetik ‘kalaulah saya boleh bertukar bidang’..,” katanya.

Belajar dalam bidang yang menuntut Siti Fadilah untuk sentiasa fokus dan tekun membuatkan niat menyertai kerja sosial terbatas. Pada masa yang sama membuatkan Siti Fadilah turut meronta-ronta ingin menerokai peluang di mana dia boleh membantu ramai orang. Tidak pernah menyesal dengan jurusan yang diambil, malahan ilmu yang diperolehi dimanfaatkan sebaiknya dalam bidang kemanusiaan.

Mengenai pembabitan Siti Fadilah dalam pertubuhan bukan Kerajaan (NGO) Islamic Relief Malaysia (IR Malaysia), ia bermula pada tahun 2005 dimana dia terlibat sebagai sukarelawan di dalam majlis pelancaran IR Malaysia yang dirasmikan oleh Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Selepas tamat belajar, Siti Fadilah memohon kekosongan jawatan di IR Malaysia. Andai takdir sudah tertulis, tiada siapa dapat menghalang. Siti Fadilah diterima bekerja di IR Malaysia pada tahun 2007 dengan jawatan pertama sebagai Fundraising Support Assistant.

Peluang itu membuka ruang seluas-luasnya kepada Siti Fadilah untuk terus bergiat aktif secara langsung dalam kerja-kerja amal dan kebajikan.

Masih segar dalam ingatan Siti Fadilah apabila mendapat tugasan pertama untuk membuka kaunter pameran di sebuah masjid pada waktu solat Jumaat.

Waktu itu, bukan mudah bagi Siti Fadilah untuk berhadapan dengan kelompok orang lelaki apatah lagi waktu itu, masyarakat Malaysia tidak begitu mengenali dan terdedah dengan NGO-NGO kemanusiaan. Jadi, agak sukar untuk Siti Fadilah berikan penerangan dan memperkenalkan IR Malaysia kepada kumpulan sasar. 

Walaupun dipandang serong dan disoal, Siti Fadilah cekalkan hati dan meneruskan aktiviti tersebut kerana Siti Fadilah yakin tentang misinya untuk membantu insan-insan memerlukan di seluruh dunia!

Pengalaman sebegitulah yang membentuk dan menguatkan diri Siti Fadilah sehingga hari ini. Tambahan pula, landskap kemanusiaan telah mula berubah sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini. Masyarakat mula cakna dan anak-anak muda dilihat aktif melakukan kerja-kerja amal dan kebajikan.

“Tahun 2007-2010, saya banyak melakukan tugasan di dalam Malaysia, sehinggalah pada tahun 2011, saya diberi peluang untuk menghadiri bengkel anak yatim di Indonesia bersama Islamic Relief global.

“Waktu tu, baru saya terbuka minda dan mata hati betapa besarnya Islamic Relief dan gerak kerja yang dijalankan sangat berstruktur, teratur dan terkehadapan. Yang saya paling kagum masa tu, Islamic Relief mempunyai sistem yang dapat menguruskan penajaan ribuan anak yatim daripada 40 rangkaian pejabat Islamic Relief!” katanya.

Bagi Siti Fadilah, bengkel itu benar-benar membuka minda dan memberi kesedaran kepadanya bahawa dia perlu melangkah ke hadapan. NGO yang disertainya bukan NGO biasa tetapi sebuah badan berstruktur yang ditadbir dengan baik di lebih 40 negara.

Sejak itu, Siti Fadilah mula memikirkan cara bagaimana untuk menjadikan IR Malaysia lebih dikenali hingga ke peringkat global. Satu demi satu langkah diambil bagi memastikan impiannya tercapai.

Hari ini, Siti Fadilah yang kini memegang tanggungjawab sebagai Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IR Malaysia bersyukur apabila melihat organisasi itu telah bergerak jauh dalam menghulurkan khidmat bakti membantu golongan rentan di Malaysia dan di luar negara.

Siti Fadilah juga bertuah kerana sepanjang pembabitan dalam dunia kemanusiaan, suami dan ibu bapa menjadi tulang belakang dalam menguruskan lima orang anak dan keluarga ketika komitmen kerja menuntut pengorbanan masa dan tenaganya.

Wanita pencetus perubahan masyarakat dan negara

Bagi menghargai peranan dan pencapaian wanita, baru-baru ini, seluruh dunia telah meraikan golongan wanita daripada seluruh lapisan masyarakat sempena Hari Wanita Antarabangsa yang disambut pada 8 Mac setiap tahun.

Sebagai seorang wanita yang telah lama berkecimpung dalam bidang ini, Siti Fadilah turut berkongsi betapa golongan wanita memainkan peranan yang sangat penting dalam pembangunan masyarakat dan negara.

Selaras dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan oleh Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) yang menekankan aspek gender equality atau kesaksamaan gender dalam salah satu objektifnya, IR Malaysia turut menerapkan agenda ini dalam gerak kerja bantuannya.

“Di Islamic Relief, kesaksamaan yang dibawa ialah dari sudut memberi peluang kepada wanita-wanita untuk mengubah masa depan atau meningkatkan taraf hidup keluarga mereka.

“Kami beri fokus pada wanita samada ibu tunggal atau keluarga yang diketuai oleh wanita dan kebanyakan program yang Islamic Relief jalankan untuk membantu mereka bersifat jangka masa panjang atau kehidupan lestari.

“Keutamaan Islamic Relief ialah untuk membangunkan ekonomi mereka dengan cara memberi latihan, mengasah skil dan kemahiran atau menambah baik perniagaan sedia ada supaya mereka dapat kembangkan lagi pendapatan mereka contohnya dari RM500 ke RM6,000 sebulan.

“Kami juga pernah ada kajian kes seorang penerima manfaat yang dapat menambah pendapatan dari RM1,000 ke RM15,000 sebulan hasil bantuan dan bimbingan yang diberikan,” katanya.

Tambah Siti Fadilah, antara projek-projek IR Malaysia yang dilaksanakan untuk membantu golongan wanita ialah Growth Entrepreneurship Assistance Programme (GRAP), Goft of Hope (GOH), Smart Farming di Sabah dan projek kehidupan mampan di Sarawak.

Selain membantu golongan wanita di dalam Malaysia, IR Malaysia turut meluaskan bantuan di luar negara. Sebagai contoh, IR Malaysia pernah menyalurkan dana ke Bangladesh, bukan sahaja untuk membangunkan ekonomi wanita, bahkan membangunkan kesatuan wanita supaya boleh melindungi sesama mereka jika berlaku apa-apa kes seperti keganasan rumah tangga, perkahwinan kanak-kanak dan lain-lain.

Berkongsi pengalaman ketika menyertai Misi “Caring World” ke Bangladesh Oktober tahun lalu, Siti Fadilah menyifatkan stigma terhadap golongan wanita di Bangladesh masih menebal terutama di kawasan pedalaman.

“Bagi masyarakat di sana, golongan wanita tak perlu belajar tinggi-tinggi. Cukup sekadarnya sahaja dan kemudian perlu berkahwin awal. Stigma ini yang Islamic Relief cuba padamkan.

“Islamic Relief bukan sahaja melatih mereka untuk mencari sumber pendapatan tetapi juga memberi pendidikan kepada mereka tentang hak-hak mereka sebagai wanita.

“Antara model projek yang dijalankan di Bangladesh, kami mengumpulkan 400 orang wanita dari pelbagai kampung. Mereka dibahagikan kepada 25 kumpulan dan setiap kumpulan mempunyai ahli seramai 20-25 orang.

“Setiap kumpulan ini akan menyertai kelas atau bengkel bagaimana untuk mencari pendapatan, bagaimana untuk bertani, berternak dan bagaimana nak gandakan pendapatan.

“Paling penting, setiap kumpulan ini juga diajar bagaimana untuk bertindak jika mereka mengalami gangguan atau ditindas. Melalui kumpulan ini juga, Islamic Relief mendidik mereka untuk mengejar impian dengan menyambung pelajaran ke peringkat tertinggi.

“Alhamdulillah setakat ini, bantuan yang Islamic Relief sumbangkan, memberi impak dan hasil yang sangat memberangsangkan,” kongsi Siti Fadilah.

Ditanya mengenai diskriminasi terhadap kaum wanita, Siti Fadilah bersyukur kerana sebagai rakyat Malaysia, wanita di sini mendapat peluang yang sama rata untuk berada di dalam posisi strategik dan penting di dalam sesebuah organisasi.

Ia sekaligus dapat mengangkat martabat wanita untuk memimpin, berdaya saing, melangkah ke hadapan dan meraih kejayaan.

“Selari dengan tema International Women’s Day (IWD) tahun ini, iaitu Inspire Inclusion atau tema sambutan kebangsaan, ‘Wanita Dijulang Negara Gemilang’, tema ini sendiri mempromosikan betapa budaya inklusiviti itu sangat penting.

“Dalam kalangan wanita sendiri tak boleh ada perbezaan. Perbezaan dari segi kebolehan itu memang berlaku tapi tak boleh dijadikan asbab atau alasan untuk sisihkan atau asingkan seseorang itu jika kita rasa dia tak berkebolehan. Sebaliknya, kita kena beri peluang sama rata kepada semua.

“Jadi, sokongan itu perlu kuat sesama wanita. Sama-sama kita raikan perbezaan dan kita perlu faham, perbezaan itu sebenarnya adalah keistimewaan untuk kita lebih bersatu. Berlainan tak semestinya perlu berlawanan tetapi kena raikan supaya bersatu dan akhirnya kita dapat bersama-sama dengan lebih harmoni dan kejayaan dapat dicapai dengan lebih bermakna.

“Apatah lagi dalam dunia kemanusiaan, kalau tiada inklusiviti, makin ramai orang tersisih, sedangkan kita perlu mengangkat golongan yang memerlukan, yang dipinggirkan dan kita perlu membantu mereka berada bersama-sama dengan kita. Jadi budaya inklusiviti ini adalah sesuatu yang kita perlu amalkan, terapkan, selari juga dengan ajaran Islam yang menekankan aspek adil dan meraikan sesama kita,” kongsi Siti Fadilah.

Selain Indonesia dan Bangladesh, antara pembabitan Siti Fadilah dalam menjalankan misi di luar negara termasuklah di Filipina, Jordan, Malawi, Somalia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosova, Albania, Macedonia, dan Turkiye. Bagi Siti Fadilah, setiap negara ini mempunyai cerita dan cabarannya tersendiri yang meninggalkan kesan mendalam terhadap dirinya.

Melihat dan ‘merasa’ rakan-rakan di pejabat lapangan yang setiap hari sanggup berkorban, berdedikasi dan komited dalam menjalanan amanah membuatkan Siti Fadilah merasa kagum kerana kebanyakan daripada mereka bertugas melebihi waktu pejabat demi memastikan setiap ringgit atau bantuan yang disalurkan untuk sesuatu projek, dilaksanakan dengan sebaiknya.

Siti Fadilah juga pernah menziarahi rakan-rakan di pejabat IR yang lain seperti Sweden, Germany, Netherland, UK dan ibu pejabat sendiri di Birmingham. Banyak ilmu dan pengalaman yang diperoleh ketika berada di negara-negara tersebut.

Perbezaan warna kulit, agama, bangsa dan bahasa bukan menjadi penghalang buat Siti Fadilah tetapi itulah yang menguatkan ikatan mereka sebagai sebuah keluarga. Setiap kali balik ke Malaysia, Siti Fadilah menanam niat untuk membantu lebih ramai lagi insan yang kesusahan di luar sana. Bagi Siti Fadilah, tiada apa yang lebih penting selain dapat manfaatkan kelebihan diri kepada insan lain selari dengan sebuah hadis, “Sebaik-baik manusia adalah yang paling bermanfaat bagi manusia (lain).” (Hadis Riwayat at-Tabrani)

International women’s day 2024: Najah Almugahed, Gender Protection and Inclusion Advisor at Islamic Relief examines how the needs vs rights debate applies to women in humanitarian crises, calling for more aid to cover women’s basic needs.

After nearly a decade residing away from home, I managed to go back for a visit last year. Home is Yemen, which is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Despite the joy of reuniting with family and friends, witnessing the devastation of basic services, extreme poverty and higher rates of inequality left its mark on my heart. The reality painted a grim picture of a population teetering on the brink of famine, with two-thirds in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection services, according to UNHCR.

In addition to these challenges, I observed a subtle shift in gender roles. Women in Yemen are increasingly taking on ‘productive’ roles – engaging in income-generating activities and breaking into traditionally male-dominated jobs such as waitressing or retail. However, this shift in Yemen and elsewhere is often sparked by necessity, rather than a genuine commitment to equal rights and opportunities. Even with expanded responsibilities, women continue to shoulder the traditional roles of homemaking and caregiving without a corresponding reduction in expectations.

Women in humanitarian crises

Wars, conflicts, and natural disasters affect everyone in society, but they also exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, impacting women and girls differently. Women are compelled to fill in for their absent male providers, often without any additional support or protective systems and policies. This exposure might increase their risks of gender-based and sexual exploitation and abuse.

We’re seeing horrific figures emerge from the ongoing conflict in Sudan, showing that women and girls are being targeted with sexual violence and rape. The UN Human Rights Office in Sudan has received reports of 21 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence against at least 57 women and girls. The actual number is thought to be much higher as parts of the country remain challenging to access, and there is a lot of social stigma associated with reporting sexual violence.

In Syria and Yemen, we’ve seen the number of early marriages, also known as child marriages, increase during conflict. Rates are 4 times higher in Syria now than before the crisis began. In Yemen, rates have increased from 32% to 52% in recent years, as dowries have increased and poor families use early marriages as a coping mechanism to survive, using dowries to feed other family members.

In Gaza, more than 30,000 people have been killed since October, and 70% of them are women and children. Nearly 2 million people, including 1 million women and girls, are currently displaced. Pregnant and lactating women are at a particular risk of malnutrition for them and their babies with limited to no access to health care. Islamic Relief staff in Gaza report pregnant women enduring C-sections without anaesthetic or painkillers, newborn infants starving to death, and a shortage of menstrual hygiene materials leading to women and girls developing infections as they resort to using any scraps of cloth or torn clothing they can find.

A ‘gendered’ humanitarian response

As humanitarian organisations like Islamic Relief are expected to respond to the many ongoing crises around the world, the sector must consider a ‘gendered’ response. This means delivering aid programmes in an equitable form, prioritising the ones who are most in need.

We must identify and respond to the distinct needs of people experiencing crises through direct and meaningful participation in designing and implementing projects, focusing on the most vulnerable groups. It is the first step to providing access to essential services for women and children, including pregnant and lactating women, older women, and women and girls with disabilities. This short-term response aligns with the long-term goal of achieving gender equality and fulfilling human potential.

Islamic Relief prioritises women and girls in our humanitarian response. We specifically focus on supporting families headed by women through initiatives such as orphan-sponsorship programmes, or unconditional cash, and livelihoods opportunities for women.

Using a protective and inclusive framework ensures that women and girls’ needs are central to Islamic Relief’s response, where we explore all the potential risks and barriers to accessing services and ensure the most vulnerable groups have access to programmes. It is exemplified by initiatives such as mobile clinic services in northwest Syria that allows pregnant and lactating women and others to benefit from health services without additional costs.

Needs vs rights debate

There exists a nuanced debate between individuals’ needs and rights, particularly in a humanitarian context. It centres on whether addressing basic needs should precede ensuring fundamental rights. While there is consensus that immediate needs must be urgently met, the debate arises when initial emergency responses move into phases that include development work, in which both basic needs and fundamental rights are crucial.

Gender equality and empowering women and girls to fulfil their human potential is both a fundamental right and a necessity in order for societies to prosper. Within humanitarian programming, there is a spectrum for a ‘gendered’ response, starting with providing access to basic services and progressing into advocating for transformative gender equality rights.

While considering the rights of women and girls, it is also essential to acknowledge that, for many in humanitarian crises, conversations about gender equality might seem like a luxury. Honing into providing access to basic needs for women and girls is more relatable to their lived realities. Humanitarian projects should have long-term impact and address gender inequality; however, women and girls need to have their food, water, hygiene, health and education needs covered first. It is their social right, as well as need, I don’t find the 2 terms to be mutually exclusive but rather a matter of choosing an acceptable language to achieve the overall aim.

International Women’s Day 2024

As we mark this International Women’s Day 2024, under the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ it is vital to recognise women in humanitarian crises.

The theme underscores the value of including women in all aspects of life, emphasising an inclusive workforce, economy, and decision-making processes. This idea also applies to humanitarian work. Estimates show that 4.5% of the world’s population needs humanitarian assistance and at least half of this number are women and girls. While advocating for gender rights is essential, prioritising the fulfilment of basic needs is fundamental.

In commemorating International Women’s Day, let us acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by women in humanitarian crises. While the goal is to see women included in various industries and decision-making roles, with reduced caregiving burdens and a genuine belief in their equal rights, the pressing reality calls for addressing their immediate needs first. Only by securing a foundation of basic living conditions can we pave the way for meaningful discussions on gender rights and equality.

The ongoing debate on needs vs rights will persist as the gap in fulfilling needs expands. I look forward to the day when we can celebrate women’s rights and potential on International Women’s Day, rather than still needing to strive for basic and immediate needs. I look forward to a time when more women are doing ‘productive’ jobs because they have the right to choose to do so, not because circumstances force them to.

Islamic Relief supports women and girls around the world to pursue an education, access healthcare and build sustainable incomes. We also work to address harmful cultural practises that contribute to inequality. Please help us to continue this vital work.

This International Women’s Day, Islamic Relief is celebrating women like Oummou, who is leading the charge to inspire change in Mali.  

Domestic violence is commonplace in many parts of western Africa, where society is still largely dominated by men. Determined to confront this is Oummou, who works at a radio station in the small town of Dio-Gare in southern Mali.

As a child, Oummou saw her father and the community around her mistreat her mother. Oummou’s mother had many daughters but only one son, which the community considered shameful. Oummou was also deeply troubled by the other ways in which women were treated in her community, where it was common for men to beat their wives and the community would punish women for perceived disobedience by breaking their hands.

Women suffering abuse were forbidden to tell anyone about their injuries, so they avoided going to the hospital. Witness to this, Oummou decided that if she were ever in a position to advocate for women, she would do so.

An uphill battle

Over the years, Oummou realised that her generation continued to perpetuate the same toxic and abusive behaviours that she grew up with. To push back against the normalisation of harmful practices, she decided to run for election in the local government.

“In the past, women were forbidden to access any government positions, but I fought hard to change this,” says Oummou. “After a long, uphill battle, I was successful and was elected advisor to the mayor [on gender and women’s rights issues].”

Many of her colleagues had never worked with a woman before, so Oummou faced a lot of resistance within the government. Even the mayor disapproved of her presence among his staff.

“I resisted all of the naysayers, despite them giving me a very difficult time, because I had great ambition to see more women rise up to occupy frontline positions,” she says.

Oummou used her position in government and job at the local radio station to reach as many people as possible. On the airwaves she was able to speak to a large audience, helping others in her area realise that they weren’t alone.

Oummou‘s activism came with a heavy price however, as the community she cared for, initially shunned her, considering her to be rebellious. Sharing those views, her husband divorced her.

“I didn’t let this new setback stop me from achieving my dreams. I persevered and eventually gained respect and acceptance of my work within the local government. I became a fixture due to using my radio show as a platform to educate and advocate around issues facing the town, especially creating awareness about issues like gender-based violence and matters pertaining to women that were considered taboo.”

Making a difference

Oummou’s radio work and her work at the town hall complemented each other, and over the years the mayor came to see Oummou’s potential and her determination to make a difference. Despite the difficult start to their relationship, there is now mutual trust and respect between them.

“I endured a lot of conflict when I first started. Not only did the men [in government] keep things from me, I was not invited to meetings, I was spoken to rudely.”

“In time many men realised that I would not be stopped regardless of what they did to me. My mission was clear: I wanted to show men that a woman can do what they do too, and that I have the same entitlements as them. So, when they wanted to put me in my place, I made sure to stand tall.”

Standing up for women’s rights

Oummou says she is finally seeing the fruits of her labour, not only in the women that thank her for standing up for their rights, but also within her own family. She was reunited with her husband after many years, and he is now among her main supporters.

“The different roles we played in the past have come to an end, which has shown me that the advocacy I have been working on has been successful in our home. My husband now sits with our children and talks to them about the issues I cover in my radio show. The issues that used to divide us are now bringing us closer.”

On this International Women’s Day, Islamic Relief is celebrating Oummou and countless women like her, who are not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for future generations of women leaders.

Oummou’s story is a powerful reminder of the strides we can make when we champion inclusion and celebrate the women who are at the forefront of this transformative movement.

Support our vital work to empower women in Mali and around the world: please donate now.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, celebrating the diversity and inclusion of women to create more equal societies, and fairer environments where women feel empowered.

To mark International Women’s Day, we are sharing stories of some of the amazing women Islamic Relief supports around the world.

Stitching a future in Ethiopia

“Every stitch I make is a step towards a better future for my children,” says Ifrah, a young mother who had to rebuild her life in eastern Ethiopia after she was violently forced from her home.

Fleeing with her 5 children, Ifrah eventually settled in the town of Jigjiga where she planned to open a small shop selling clothing that she had handstitched.

Ifrah initially struggled to make her dream a reality, but after coming into contact with Islamic Relief, she received funds and training to open her shop. Ifrah says the support she received from Islamic Relief’s Youth and Woman Empowerment Project (YWEP) went even deeper.

“It’s not just about the money. It’s about the trust that Islamic Relief placed in me, the belief that I could rise.”

Despite the challenges of launching a business in a period of economic uncertainty, Ifrah has been able to turn her shop into a resounding success.

In the beginning, Ifrah would struggle to make as much as 100 ETB (approx. RM8) a day, but the business has now grown to a position where she draws in 15,000 ETB (approx. RM1200) a month.

“There were days when inflation hit us hard,” she recalls. “But with every challenge, I learned, I adapted. Islamic Relief’s training wasn’t just about business; it was about resilience.”

Ifrah hopes her shop will inspire others in Jigjiga.

“My dream? It’s to see a street lined with businesses run by women,” she says with a smile.

“Women who started with a small seed, just like I did.”

Harvesting independence in Indonesia

On the island of Lombok in Indonesia, the green mushroom houses of Uus’s farm are a testament to her hard work and the support of Islamic Relief’s Sustainable Livelihood Project.

“There was a time when uncertainty was the only certainty we had,” Uus recalls.

“Islamic Relief changed that for us; they gave us the tools and the confidence to grow, not just mushrooms, but our dreams.”

The Sustainable Livelihood project in Lombok provides women with training, tools and equipment, as well as financial support to launch enterprises such as mushroom cultivation.

Uus’s mushroom farm has become more than a source of income, it is now a beacon of collective achievement for the community.

“We’re not just growing mushrooms; we’re growing lives,” she says.

Her business now harvests up to 40 kilos of fresh mushrooms daily and employs 10 local workers.

“Islamic Relief taught us to cultivate hope, and now hope blooms in every corner of our farm. This farm is our heart,” she says warmly, “and it beats strong for our community.”

The training and financial support provided by Islamic Relief have helped Uus and her husband develop a thriving business, while also planting seeds of self-reliance in her neighbours.

For Uus, the message is clear:

“When one of us rises, we all rise. My success is our success, and I dream of a day when every woman in Lombok has the means to write her own story of triumph.”

Honouring inspiring women

As we mark International Women’s Day, Uus and Ifrah’s stories reflect a shared vision of a better future – a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead change in her community.

Islamic Relief celebrates the resilience and ambition of women like Ifrah and Uus, who are not only rebuilding their lives but also paving the way for others to follow.

Their journeys remind us that when women are given the chance to succeed, they create a stronger, more inclusive world.

Support our vital women’s empowerment work, which enables vulnerable women to gain agency over their lives: please donate now.

To mark International Women’s Day, we are sharing the inspiring story of how one woman in rural Bangladesh changed her life for the better, with support from Islamic Relief.

Women in Bangladesh face many challenges and obstacles to empowerment, from harmful social norms to a lack of access to education and employment opportunities. For women with disabilities, life is even more difficult.

Piya, lives in a remote village in the Rajarhat sub-district of Kurigram in northwestern Bangladesh. The 29-year-old has a hearing impairment and, like many girls in rural Bangladesh, was a victim of early marriage, sometimes known as child marriage.

In rural Bangladesh, women and girls have few opportunities to earn an income and are often viewed as financial burdens. Marriage is the most common way to relieve that burden, prompting many families to marry off their daughters before the girls reach adulthood.

Piya’s parents were worried she might also face discrimination because of her hearing impairment and thought marriage could shield her from that. So, at age 14, she began married life. Social norms around the role of a wife made it impossible for Piya to continue her education, forcing her to drop out of school.

Piya’s husband, Chand Mia, works as a day labourer but struggles to make ends meet with his limited income. Ensuring his wife and children received 3 nutritious meals a day was a constant struggle for him. The situation was difficult for Piya too.

“I experienced profound sadness as I could not contribute more to support my husband. I knew I had to take action, but I was unsure where to begin or what steps to take. The inability to provide meals for our children was particularly painful for me,” she says, reflecting on that challenging time.

A turning point

Piya’s life began to change when she became involved with Islamic Relief. Through the Promoting the Model for the Elimination of Extreme Poverty in rural Bangladesh (EEP) project, she received training, seed money and technical support to launch a business, help break the cycle of poverty and boost her socioeconomic wellbeing. Piya is one of almost 3,500 people facing extreme poverty who will receive support through the 36-month-long project.

Determined to change her family’s situation, Piya embraced the opportunity. With a seed fund of BDT 12,000 (approx. RM512), she began raising goats, expanding her modest farm with Islamic Relief’s support.

Empowered by growing confidence, Piya sought out other streams of income by joining a local self-help group. She found a community offering mutual support as well as sharing knowledge and resources, and became a cashier for the group.

Joining the self-help group opened the door for Piya to make use of Islamic microfinance services. She also took out interest-free loans from the group’s fund to expand her endeavours.

Her small home farm transformed into a diverse landscape, home to goats, chickens, and cows. Project initiatives, such as animal health camps, supported Piya in keeping her animals healthy and well.

Leasing a productive piece of land, Piya cultivated chilli and ginger, which led to substantial monthly profits. She also cultivated her own fodder, saving the money she would have spent buying it, and engaged in other cost-effective farming practices with support from Islamic Relief. Her husband supported her efforts to expand the farm, which became a collaborative effort for the couple.

Piya’s investments and hard work significantly improved her family’s financial situation. She transitioned from depending solely on her husband’s income to becoming a self-sufficient contributor. Beyond her farming activities, Piya became an inspiration within her self-help group, motivating others to pursue their ambitions.

On this International Women’s Day, Piya’s story epitomises determination, resilience, and triumph over adversity. Through her efforts and the right opportunities, she not only achieved financial security but also became an inspiration for those around her.

Islamic Relief is committed to empowering vulnerable people in Bangladesh to lift themselves out of poverty through building sustainable incomes. Please help us to continue this vital work. Donate now.

Hanya Makan Biskut Seminggu, Irma Hasmie Sebak Dengan Kesusahan Insan Lain

Selari dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan yang kedua iaitu Kelaparan Sifar atau Zero Hunger, Islamic Relief Malaysia (IR Malaysia) meneruskan bantuan kemanusiaan kepada golongan rentan melalui agihan pek makanan, sempena menyambut kedatangan bulan Ramadan.

Baru-baru ini, Ikon Kemanusiaan IR Malaysia, Irma Hasmie Ibrahim berkesempatan mengikuti pasukan IR Malaysia untuk menyampaikan bantuan pek makanan kepada beberapa buah keluarga di Klang, Selangor.

Menyelami perasaan Irma yang juga ibu kepada dua orang cahaya mata, peluang dapat menyantuni masyarakat tidak akan disia-siakannya untuk menyelami dan mendalami cabaran serta liku-liku hidup yang dijalani oleh insan lain.

“Ketika saya mengikuti Islamic Relief dalam sesi agihan pek makanan Rezeki Ramadan di Klang Khamis lalu, terasa sebak pula mendengar cerita penerima bantuan yang terpaksa memberi anak-anaknya makan biskut sahaja selama seminggu kerana kesempitan hidup.

“Bayinya yang berusia dua bulan pula terpaksa minum susu pekat manis agar kelihatan seperti susu walaupun hanya sekadarnya sahaja,” cerita Irma Hasmie.

Ini Semua Rezeki Daripada Allah

Ketika ditanya mengenai penglibatannya bersama IR Malaysia, Irma menzahirkan rasa syukur kepada Allah kerana diberi peluang untuk terlibat dalam kerja-kerja kemanusiaan.

Tahun ini merupakan tahun ke-13 Irma terlibat dalam kerja-kerja kebajikan bersama IR Malaysia. Segalanya bermula ketika dia aktif mengacarakan program bual bicara pagi di sebuah stesen televisyen tanah air.

Menurut Irma, banyak yang dia belajar daripada pengalaman menyantuni golongan memerlukan khususnya wanita dan kanak-kanak, baik di dalam mahupun di luar negara.

“Sebelum ini, saya tak tahu pun apa itu kemanusiaan. Islamic Relief Malaysia adalah NGO pertama yang memperkenalkan saya dengan dunia kesukarelawanan ini.

“Saya selalu berdoa semoga Allah kurniakan kesihatan yang baik buat saya, agar saya dapat membantu dan memberi lebih banyak lagi manfaat kepada orang lain.

“Saya tak sempurna, saya pun banyak salah, banyak dosa. Jadi, saya harap Allah dapat terima usaha-usaha yang saya lakukan ke arah kebaikan ini,” kata Irma Hasmie.

Tambah Irma, di luar sana terlalu ramai yang memerlukan bantuan. Kita tidak akan mampu untuk lakukan semuanya sendiri. Kita mesti bersatu dan bersama-sama membantu mereka.

Desakan Hidup dan Kemiskinan: Anak-anak Tersepit Dalam Bayangan Kesusahan

Sempena kehadiran bulan Ramadan yang bakal menjelang tidak lama lagi, Irma ingin mengajak orang ramai untuk sama-sama membantu dan berkongsi rezeki khususnya kepada penduduk di Gaza, Palestin dan negara konflik lain seperti Syria dan Yaman menerusi bantuan pek makanan Rezeki Ramadan anjuran IR Malaysia.

“Mungkin bagi kita, satu pek makanan itu tiada apa-apa, tetapi bagi mereka yang sedang diuji, bantuan ini cukup bermakna.

“Teringat luahan ibu tunggal pelarian Syria yang saya temui di Gaziantep, sempadan Turkiye tahun 2020 dahulu, dalam keadaan terdesak anak-anak terpaksa tidur dengan perut yang kosong seharian. Jika ada sedikit makanan, terpaksa dicatu untuk disuap seorang sedikit. Biasanya, si ibu akan mengalah dan hanya menjamah sesuap dua sahaja,” kongsi Irma.

Pengalaman melihat sendiri kesusahan insan lain di beberapa buah negara termasuk Malaysia, Filipina, Turkiye dan Bangladesh membuatkan Irma tekad untuk membantu seramai mungkin bagi menjalani bulan Ramadan ini dengan sempurna.

Rezeki Ramadan

Bagi memastikan kejayaan misi bantuan, IR Malaysia telah melancarkan kempen Rezeki Ramadan dengan slogan #gandakanpahala pada 12 Januari lalu bertujuan untuk mengumpul dana sebanyak RM2.25 juta bagi pelaksanaan agihan pek makanan di 10 buah negara termasuk Malaysia.

Terdapat dua pakej yang ditawarkan iaitu Pek Makanan RM250 dan Pek Makanan RM350. Selain itu, orang ramai juga membuat sumbangan sedekah Ramadan serendah RM10.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IR Malaysia, Mohd Shukor Tahir berkata, secara global, Islamic Relief telah melaksanakan program bantuan Ramadan ini selama hampir empat dekad.

“Setiap tahun menjelang bulan Ramadan, semua pejabat lapangan Islamic Relief di seluruh dunia akan membuat agihan bantuan kepada keluarga-keluarga yang memerlukan.

“Tujuan program ini diadakan adalah untuk meringankan beban mereka dalam menyediakan juadah berbuka dan bersahur ketika bulan Ramadan.

“Selama bertahun-tahun program ini dijalankan, kami dapati bahawa masih ada keluarga yang terpaksa mengikat perut dan menahan keinginan untuk mencuba pelbagai jenis makanan sewaktu berbuka dan bersahur hanya kerana mereka tidak cukup wang untuk membeli,” katanya.

Tambah Mohd Shukor, setiap pek makanan Ramadan yang diagihkan, dilengkapi dengan makanan asas atau makanan ruji penerima bantuan mengikut negara masing-masing seperti beras, tepung, jagung, pasta, bijirin, kekacang, daging dalam tin, minyak masak, gula, teh dan kurma.

Selain agihan pek makanan, IR Malaysia turut menggunakan kaedah baucar tunai terutama untuk kawasan-kawasan yang mempunyai kemudahan pasar raya yang mudah diakses.

Tahun ini, IR Malaysia bakal mengagihkan pek makanan atau baucar tunai kepada 6,051 keluarga di Malaysia dan 1,300 keluarga di sembilan negara lain; Palestin (Gaza), Syria, Yaman, Lubnan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Indonesia, Bangladesh dan Filipina.

“Kami amat berbesar hati untuk menerima sumbangan pakej Rezeki Ramadan daripada orang ramai dan kepada yang berminat, boleh menghubungi pejabat IR Malaysia di 03-8926 3434 atau melayari www.islamic-relief.org.my untuk mendapatkan maklumat lanjut,” katanya.

Misi Kemanusiaan Ini Mengubah Persepsi dan Pandangan Kami. Ya Allah, Sedih…

Selebriti dan Ikon Kemanusiaan Islamic Relief Malaysia, Diana Amir dan kumpulan nasyid Saujana menyifatkan perjalanan misi kemanusiaan ke Lombok, Indonesia pada November lalu terlalu sarat dengan emosi.

Menurut Diana, misi yang diberi nama “Caring World” Mission #Indonesia itu telah membawa dia dan pasukan misi meneroka sisi lain Lombok yang mungkin tidak dipaparkan umum.

“Sebelum ini, saya pernah bercuti di Lombok bersama keluarga. Jadi, seperti pelancong lain, saya hanya dapat melihat Lombok sebagai satu destinasi pelancongan yang unik dengan keindahan pulau, gunung dan alam semula jadinya yang cantik.

“Namun, selepas menjalani tujuh hari pengembaraan misi, pandangan saya sudah berbeza. Saya mahu kembali ke Malaysia sebagai suara dan penyampai kepada masyarakat seluruhnya, yang sebenarnya di luar sana ada ramai yang sangat memerlukan bantuan,” kata Diana.

Objektif misi yang disertai Diana, Saujana dan empat kakitangan Islamic Relief Malaysia itu bertujuan untuk melihat dan melawat projek-projek bantuan yang dijalankan Islamic Relief, khususnya melibatkan anak yatim dan projek penjanaan pendapatan di bawah sektor kehidupan mampan.

Walaupun diuji dengan derita yang berat, Masha-Allah mereka sangat kuat…

Bagi Ahmad Zuhaidi Abdul Aziz, salah seorang ahli kumpulan Saujana yang turut serta dalam misi itu berkata, landskap kemiskinan memang boleh dilihat di mana-mana, hatta di Malaysia, namun cabaran yang dilalui anak yatim yang kami temui di Lombok berbeza dan saya rasa ujian mereka sangat berat.

“Antara cabaran paling susah yang dihadapi ibu tunggal atau penjaga kepada anak yatim yang kami temui ialah kesukaran untuk mendapatkan sumber pendapatan.

“Mereka masih di tahap kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang. Malah, ada juga pekerjaan yang diusahakan mengambil masa dua hingga tiga hari untuk disiapkan dan selepas itu baru boleh dijual, itu pun sekiranya ada yang mahu membeli.

“Disebabkan itu, Islamic Relief menekankan bantuan terhadap anak yatim melibatkan sokongan pendidikan. Hanya dengan pendidikan, mereka dapat mengubah nasib diri dan keluarga, seterusnya keluar dari putaran kemiskinan yang menyelubungi mereka,” kata Zuhaidi.

Suffian Amrin dari kumpulan Saujana turut menambah, pendidikan adalah pelaburan terbaik. Setiap manusia mempunyai hak untuk mendapatkan pendidikan sewajarnya.

“Saya rasa sangat terkesan dan sedih melihat ada anak yatim yang kami temui berdepan trauma kerana terpaksa berhenti sekolah, sedangkan dia sangat suka belajar dan mempunyai prestasi pembelajaran yang baik,” cerita Suffian.

Diana hiba melihat kepayahan hidup ibu tunggal yang seusia dengannya

“Apa yang membuatkan saya rasa sangat terkesan, kebanyakan daripada mereka sebaya umur dengan saya, tapi sedih bila tengok mereka hidup dalam keadaan yang sangat daif.

“Mereka hidup dalam serba kekurangan dan serba tiada. Makan pun tak menentu setiap hari. Tapi, Masha-Allah mereka sentiasa mengucapkan Alhamdulillah. Ucapan Alhamdulillah tak pernah lekang daripada bibir mereka,” jelas Diana.

Tambahnya, ada yang kehilangan suami ketika suami bekerja di perantauan. Bertahun-tahun tidak bertemu, akhirnya hanya sekujur tubuh tidak bernyawa yang tiba di depan pintu rumah.

“Sarimah mempunyai seorang anak perempuan yang diberi nama Siti Humainah. Humainah lahir normal, namun kemiskinan mengakibatkan dia kini cacat penglihatan, tidak boleh bercakap dan tidak boleh menguruskan diri sendiri.

“Sewaktu kecil, Humainah diserang demam panas dan sawan, namun Sarimah tidak dapat membawa anaknya ke hospital kerana tiada wang dan pengangkutan.

“Suara Sarimah berbunyi kecewa dan ada penyesalan dalam nada suaranya. Mungkin dia rasa jika dia ada kemampuan untuk merawat Humainah dahulu, Humainah pasti dapat membesar dengan baik,” kata Diana.

Diana dan Saujana menyeru orang ramai untuk sama-sama menyokong projek MyYateem #CareForOrphan yang dianjurkan Islamic Relief Malaysia bagi membantu anak yatim di lebih 20 buah negara termasuk Indonesia, Syria, Yaman dan Palestin.

Terdapat dua pakej yang ditawarkan menerusi projek MyYateem iaitu Kasih MyYateem dan Tajaan MyYateem.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila layari laman web www.islamic-relief.org.my untuk menderma dan berkongsi rezeki bersama anak-anak yatim.

Diana dan Saujana berharap semoga inisiatif menerusi hebahan projek ini dapat meringankan penderitaan anak yatim, selari dengan galakan dalam Islam dan yang dianjurkan junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad SAW sepertimana yang diriwayatkan oleh Abu Hurairah RA, bahawa Nabi SAW bersabda:

كَافِلُ الْيَتِيمِ لَهُ أَوْ لِغَيْرِهِ أَنَا وَهُوَ كَهَاتَيْنِ فِي الْجَنَّةِ

Maksud: “Orang yang menanggung anak yatim miliknya atau milik orang lain, aku dan dia seperti dua ini (Nabi SAW mengisyaratkan dengan dua jari baginda SAW) di syurga”. [Riwayat Muslim, (2983)]

The end of the temporary truce sees Palestinian families facing fresh fear and tanks at their door, reports an Islamic Relief aid worker* in Gaza.

It is day 58 since the escalation began, but it feels like 58 years. My hair is turning grey. My house is damaged. My work is suspended. I do not leave the house. I am becoming anxious and could drop into depression. I don’t feel I want to keep writing this blog: I do not feel I have the power to continue telling the story, which is the same story of suffering.

My dear readers, I have been thinking death is better than this life. Once we lived in dignity, but now our dignity is being violated in every possible way.

We count lost lives while the world watches

Just 10 minutes after the humanitarian pause ended, the heavy airstrikes and bombing started again, the terrifying sounds dragging me and my family from sleep. The bedroom window was shaking with the noise, terrifyingly loud. My young son asked me if the truce was over, but I didn’t know.

Now, I know that in the first 24 hours since the violence restarted, more than 190 people were killed.

Palestinians keep counting the lives lost, and the world keeps watching. I have lost hope that anyone can put an end to this madness – none of the world leaders seem to care. I have lost faith in this world. I lost faith in humanity. Humanitarian law is applied only to select people and we Palestinians, do not appear to be among them. We are denied any rights. We do not even die with dignity. Our bodies are torn apart and we are smashed under the rubble of our homes.

Why is this happening? What have we ordinary families done? The only force that keeps us standing is our faith. Our strong belief that Allah will help us. He is the almighty, the most merciful, the powerful. Alhamdulillah.

Nowhere is safe in Gaza

Yesterday was the second day after the humanitarian pause. It was midday when we heard news that tanks had started entering the area between the middle area and the south. We thought the south of Gaza was a safe place. It turned out nowhere is safe in our country. The safest place is where the dead are buried – but even then, sometimes graveyards have been hit by airplanes.

As the reports kept coming about the land invasion in the south, I worried about my friends living there. I called my friends there, they used to work for Islamic Relief. Hamza* told me they had to evacuate their home; and my phone call with Nour* cut off just after she screamed, “A rocket, a rocket!”

I managed to get her on the phone again, and she explained that, “We can hear the sound of tanks outside. We can’t leave. They are bombing and we can hear gunfire all around.” I was very worried about her. I could not help her.

Nour was about 1km away from me, so I knew the tanks would be heading our way. Everyone in the house was frightened. My brother gathered the kids and said, “The situation is very dangerous now. I want you all to gather all your courage and stay calm. Please listen to the instructions the adults give you.”

One of the kids asked him, “Will the tanks destroy our house?” The kids always think of questions that we cannot answer – how could we possibly know?

We lived a hell of a night. The sounds of bombing and shelling never stopped. I could also hear heavy gunfire, maybe from a tank or helicopter. But we survived, Alhamdulillah.

There really is a war zone over the heads of civilians like me, my wife, and young children, who may be forced to flee yet again. We rearranged our emergency bag because the next time we flee it might be on foot. We might have to stay in tents. We might lose everything. We might be dead.

Please help Islamic Relief support people in desperate need in Gaza: Donate to our Palestine Appeal now.

*This blog is anonymised to protect the safety and security of our colleague and others mentioned. Read the other blogs in this series here.

Editor’s note: This blog was submitted amid a fast-changing and deepening crisis. The information was correct as of 4 December 2023.

As we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Islamic Relief is proud to highlight some of the remarkable individuals with disabilities who are building a more inclusive society. Among them is Fatoumata, a determined Malian woman.

Fatoumata lives in the village of Magnambougou, in southwestern Mali. At 47 she has the busy life of a mother of 3 and be a dedicated wife who successfully juggles running a vibrant household with gardening and managing a small retail business to boost her family’s income.

Fatoumata’s life took an unexpected turn when she developed her disability during pregnancy, but she refuses to let this challenge hinder her contribution to her family and community.

“My disability is part of me, but it does not define my limits,” she says.

The way of life in Magnambougou follows a pattern that has lasted for centuries. The mainstays of income for many, including Fatoumata, are agriculture, gardening, and small-scale animal husbandry.

Fatoumata’s days are filled with the kind of activities that sustain not just her family but also the rest of her community: from cultivating her garden with crops like cabbage, tomatoes, and potatoes, to running a small shop that serves the everyday needs of her neighbours. She has transformed her small garden into a source of sustenance and joy.

At the heart of community action

Islamic Relief has had a profound impact on Fatoumata’s life, recognising her potential and empowering her. She now plays a pivotal role in devising projects for women’s advancement and brings the perspective of people with disabilities to the Magnambougou community action team.

The team’s work has had a positive impact, improving protection for vulnerable women and children, tackling gender-based violence, and providing comprehensive training on children’s rights, spousal rights, and the inclusion of people living with disabilities.

The impact of Fatoumata’s leadership is palpable within her community. Islamic Relief’s initiatives, with Fatoumata and other members of the community action team at their heart, have significantly reduced the violence and abuse once commonplace in Magnambougou. The efforts of faith leaders and community action teams have helped to improve harmony within families and communication between children and parents, leading to a more inclusive and supportive village environment.

Sustainable development in action

With a grant from Islamic Relief, Fatoumata bought a water pump, which has revolutionised the way she irrigates her garden and has improved both the yield and quality of her crops. This, in turn, has bolstered her small business, allowing her to record profits that contribute significantly to her family’s income.

“These activities are not just for financial gain,” Fatoumata says proudly, “They are a symbol of what people with disabilities can achieve with the right support.”

A call to deepen our commitment

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Islamic Relief reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of people living with disability. Fatoumata’s story is among many that demonstrate our commitment to lifting women out of poverty and helping them achieve financial autonomy.

By donating to Islamic Relief, you can help extend the reach of empowering projects that enable more people like Fatoumata to lead fulfilling lives. Your donation can break down barriers and build bridges toward a more inclusive future.

Help us to continue our vital work to change the narrative around women and disability, ensuring vulnerable women are empowered to transform their lives: please donate now.

As world leaders meet at COP28, Islamic Relief says the summit must finally deliver an unequivocal agreement to phase out the use of fossil fuels and limit global heating to 1.5 degrees.

This year has been the planet’s hottest year on record and climate change is plunging billions of people all over the world into poverty and increasing disasters that wipe out lives and livelihoods. 

Yet rich nations continue to approve new oil, gas and coal projects and producers seek more deals to increase demand and reliance on fossil fuels – despite previous commitments to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, beyond which the impact will be devastating and irreversible.

The UN Environment Programme warned last week that the world is now headed for a nightmare scenario of an increase of 3 degrees by the end of the century, as the richest and highest-polluting nations have failed to curb emissions. Countries need to cut emissions by at least 42% to meet the 1.5 degrees target.

Jamie Williams, Islamic Relief’s senior advisor on climate change, says:

“A rise in temperature of more than 1.5 degrees will be absolutely catastrophic. It is hard to believe that in the face of such clear scientific evidence, world leaders are repeatedly failing to take action and deliver on their promises, and in some cases continue to approve projects that will make things even worse. The world is fast running out of time – at COP28 we need to see real action not more empty words. The future of humanity is at stake. We must see a clear plan and timeline to phase out the use of fossil fuels.”

For years Islamic Relief’s humanitarian advocacy adviser Aman Soufi has been studying the mounting crisis in Afghanistan. As the country marks 2 years since a major shift in power, she reflects on the harsh realities facing Afghan women and girls.

The people of Afghanistan yearn for a life filled with productivity, hope, and prosperity. Sadly, this is a far cry from the reality in a country scarred by decades of conflict, political upheaval, and economic crisis.

Two years since power shifted, the humanitarian situation is worse than ever, with unparalleled levels of need and critical shortages in humanitarian funding worsened by the challenges posed by climate change.

Many people are struggling to survive, and for women and girls the situation is particularly dire.

The hopes of Afghan women on hold

The hopes of Afghan women and girls to actively participate in their communities have been put on hold indefinitely.

Public spaces such as parks, gyms, and public baths have become off limits for women and girls, effectively reshaping Afghan society into one in which only men’s interests matter.

Heartbreakingly, their access to education – an empowering, life-changing fundamental right – is now severely restricted.

An edict forbidding girls aged 13 and above from going to school is depriving 2 million children of secondary education. Women have been barred from attending universities, and from taking the exams required to complete medical school, or to pursue medical specialists.

While female doctors are still allowed to work, alarm is mounting that in the future the women of Afghanistan may be cut off from access to vital healthcare if women are not able to graduate and enter the medical profession.

Crisis upon crisis: Afghanistan’s road to stability and prosperity is crumbling

Alongside its multi-faceted economic crisis, Afghanistan faces more frequent and severe droughts – thanks to climate change – as well as disease outbreaks; and the lingering consequences of prolonged conflict.

It’s a devastating combination.

The result is significant barriers to equitable access to healthcare, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and justice for the people of Afghanistan.

A humanitarian crisis of this magnitude demands urgent attention from the global community, which has so far fallen disastrously short.

As of August, only 24.8% of the Humanitarian Response Plan for 2023 has been funded, highlighting the critical need for additional funds. Consequently, the fulfilment of human rights, human development, and long-term national stability and prosperity are being severely undermined.

Moving beyond humanitarian aid

Afghanistan’s circumstances are complex, fragile and fluid. The country lacks relationships with the international community, which itself has no distinct strategy for Afghanistan.

Humanitarian aid from organisations such as Islamic Relief can ease the suffering by assisting families with their basic needs – as we have been doing for nearly a quarter of a century. Efforts to safeguard human rights are essential, too.

But these interventions, important as they are, cannot end the crisis in Afghanistan. Halting the suffering of millions requires the international community to remain engaged, and to find alternative partnerships and methods.

Interventions should focus on addressing the root causes of problems, building strength and adaptability in the community, and minimising the chances of conflict arising in the future. There are opportunities to improve access to services, create economic opportunities, foster social cohesion, and protect human rights. Particularly for children and women, whose exclusion is only digging Afghanistan deeper into crisis.

Considering the country’s exposure to climate change and the potential impact of natural disasters, interventions that promote climate resilience should be a top priority. In addition, climate risks must be considered when designing and implementing all humanitarian and development projects.

Islamic Relief’s call to action

In the face of these distressing realities, Islamic Relief is working tirelessly to maintain operations and deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance, and to advocate for every Afghan’s right to life with dignity, especially women and girls’ rights within the civic space.

Islamic Relief believes that everyone in Afghanistan should have access to high-quality essential services, such as health and nutrition, education, sanitation, and social protection. To improve access to services, it is crucial to strengthen coordination across different sectors, building upon humanitarian interventions to enhance long-term sustainability.

I am clearer than ever that legislation that is fair for all Afghans, particularly women, to end the deepening crisis in Afghanistan. Overall, access to education and work opportunities for women are not just a matter of individual rights but also critical for the progress, development, and well-being of the entire community. It can be done. It must be done, because the alternative is unbearable.

Read Islamic Relief in Afghanistan today to learn more about the life-saving work Islamic Relief is doing.