Projects in Afghanistan
Standing up for Afghan women, the weakest and most persecuted sector of a country which for decades has lived in constant strife and violence.
Afghanistan is a land of resilience, where women, the elderly, and children face immense challenges, intensified by cultural, social, and political factors following the Taliban's return.
Despite the dramatic withdrawal of American troops in August 2021, the Costa Family Foundation has maintained an unwavering and unconditional commitment, standing alongside the most vulnerable segments of the population long before recent events exacerbated the situation.
Our presence in this incredibly difficult context is made possible by the heroic and invaluable work of our on-the-ground partners like the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), the Social Association for Justice Researchers (SAAJS), and the Associazione Gruppi "Insieme si Può..." (ISP). They are our eyes and hands, enabling us to remain present, despite everything.
Our commitment focuses on fundamental pillars:
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Clandestine Female Education: We actively promote and support the courageous clandestine network of schools initiated by the women of RAWA. In open opposition to the Taliban regime, these schools—established not only in Kabul but in various provinces across the country—represent a beacon of knowledge and an act of daily resistance, ensuring a future for girls and young women.
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Female Economic Empowerment: We support widowed women with dependent children through the purchase and delivery of dairy goats as microcredit. This project generates immediate income for families, provides nourishment for children, and has a positive impact on the entire community, initiating a virtuous cycle of self-sufficiency.
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Saffron Cultivation and Literacy: Since 2017, we have been funding a small community of 12 women who, through the cultivation of a saffron field, have significantly improved their living conditions. This project is not just an economic activity; it's integrated with literacy programs that restore dignity and provide tools for a better future, demonstrating that economic independence and knowledge go hand in hand.
In Afghanistan, every project is an act of faith and an investment in hope. We continue to work to ensure that, despite adversity, the rights and freedoms of women and children are not forgotten, building with them a tomorrow of greater autonomy and dignity.