What to Know About the Taliban Ban Declared on Female Aid Workers
On December 20, 2022 the Taliban announced a ban on female students attending university in Afghanistan. Just days later on December 24 came the Taliban’s announcement that women are banned from working for INGOs.
Following the announcement, Premiumaid Foundation paused its activities. Our female staff are essential for the safe and effective delivery of our services, and we simply cannot operate without them. Women make up 50% of our workforce and are crucial for reaching women and girls.
A Premiumaid Foundation spokesperson said: “The ban on female staff will have a direct impact on the life-saving assistance Premiumaid Foundation provides and we are calling for an immediate reversal to this decision.”
On January 15, 2023, Premiumaid Foundation was able to restart some of our activities where reliable assurances had been given for a full and safe return to work for its female staff. "While the majority of our programs remain on hold, we are restarting some activities – such as health, nutrition, and some education services – where we have received clear, reliable assurances from relevant authorities that our female staff will be safe and can work without obstruction."