The complex humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan makes access to cash extremely difficult for civil society organisations giving vital support to women and girls. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, there are strict limitations on banking, with no access to wire transfers and many international governments banning aid from entering the country altogether.
This lack of access to funding severely restricts an already decimated civil society, and demands innovative ideas to get money to where is it most needed.
We’re working with Amanacard and our partner Equality for Peace and Development (EPDO) – a non-profit organisation who work to empower young people in Afghanistan. Amanacard provides a secure and transparent method for sending funds to organisations and people outside of the formal banking system.
We’ve worked with EPDO to identify 25 civil society organisations operating in Afghanistan without access to traditional funding. Using Amanacard we are now able to move money safely and directly to them, which helps them continue their important work.
Initially, the grants were for core funding to ensure that these organisations survived the crisis. Since then we are funding more long-term support, emphasising the role of civil society groups in promoting women’s rights, peacebuilding and social cohesion.
"Since 2010, the Equality for Peace and Development (EPDO) has been steadfast in its commitment to promoting peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and empowering local communities in Afghanistan. However, following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in August 2021, our efforts have encountered significant obstacles due to restrictions imposed by the Taliban on NGO activities in these critical areas. Despite the challenges, the necessity for such projects in Afghanistan has never been greater.
Peacebuilding initiatives are essential for fostering stability and reconciliation in post-conflict environments. Humanitarian assistance is crucial for addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflict and displacement. Empowering local communities is fundamental for sustainable development and resilience. However, the Taliban's restrictions and the reluctance of international donors to allocate sufficient funds present formidable barriers to our mission.
EPDO recognizes the importance of joint innovative efforts to ensure that international funding reaches peacebuilders, humanitarians, and local communities in Afghanistan. We advocate for a coordinated approach that leverages the expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders, including governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and the private sector. This approach should prioritize transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in distributing funds to those who need them most.
The role of international donors in supporting peacebuilders in Afghanistan is crucial. Donors should provide financial resources, technical expertise, and capacity-building initiatives to enable peacebuilders to implement programs focused on conflict resolution, dialogue, reconciliation, and community engagement. Donors should adopt approaches that empower local communities to take ownership of peacebuilding efforts, foster partnerships with local organizations, and promote inclusive decision-making processes.
In conclusion, the importance of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and community empowerment projects in post-Taliban Afghanistan cannot be overstated. EPDO remains committed to advancing these critical agendas and calls upon the international community to prioritize and support the needs of Afghan peacebuilders, humanitarians, and local communities."
