Analyzing female humanitarian workers’ challenges: a case of humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan

Abstract

This paper explores the numerous difficulties and challenges experienced by female humanitarian workers within humanitarian organizations currently working in Afghanistan. humanitarian organizations play an important role in providing services and support to the most vulnerable population of this country while offering job opportunities for women in humanitarian and other related sectors. This study aims to analyze the challenges faced by female humanitarian workers in the humanitarian sector. It encompasses their roles and responsibilities and the barriers they face due to the lack of governmental and organizational support, political instabilities, economic difficulties, security issues, and conservative society and families. Females in Afghanistan were always victims of society, and their situation and status became worse in the aftermath of the Taliban’s return to power after twenty years. For more than two years, women have encountered several challenges and restrictions on their rights, including limitations on their liberty and freedom, education, healthcare, movements, dress, and working in offices. Under the rule and government of the Taliban, women have to follow these compulsory rules, including dress codes like the full hijab restrictions in their movement in public, and the ban on universities and schools without raising their voices. The research conducted a mixed-methods design that encompassed qualitative and quantitative data. For qualitative data, the researchers utilized in-depth interviews with female workers, and for quantitative data, an online survey was conducted. For data gathering, female humanitarian workers were selected from three national and three international organizations in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts, facilitated by software tools such as NVivo, enables the identification of recurring themes and patterns, illuminating the complex interplay of challenges and societal stigma faced by female workers. Quantitative data analysis is conducted using SPSS to analyze the survey responses, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the respondents. The findings of this research contributed valuable insights for interventions and enhanced opportunities aimed at addressing the unique challenges encountered by female humanitarian workers in Afghanistan, the effects on their mental health, and their coping mechanisms. By highlighting the importance of a comprehensive and targeted approach, the study advocates for initiatives that promote gender equality, allocate resources effectively, and eliminate cultural barriers within the humanitarian sector. Ultimately, the research aims to empower female humanitarian workers to navigate and overcome challenges thereby, creating a safer and more supportive environment for their professional growth and contributions to vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.