WRF PULSE

The situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan has become one of the most severe and systematic women’s rights crises in the world. Since the Taliban returned to power, a series of restrictions and decrees has progressively limited women’s access to education, employment, healthcare, freedom of movement and participation in public life. What is taking place is not a single restriction or isolated policy. It is a broad system of limitations that affects nearly every aspect of women’s and girls’ lives. Education has been severely restricted, employment opportunities have disappeared, movement has been curtailed, and access to justice and essential services has become increasingly difficult. The consequences extend beyond individual women. They affect families, communities and Afghanistan’s future. Education: A Generation Being Left Behind Education is one of the clearest areas in which Afghan girls have experienced devastating restrictions. Girls have been prevented from continuing ...

In times of war, natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies and public health crises, reliable information can be as important as food, shelter and medical assistance. When people know what is happening around them, where to seek help and which information they can trust, they are better equipped to protect themselves and their communities. A new report highlights an increasingly important reality: media freedom and trusted journalism can save lives and significantly strengthen humanitarian responses to crises. The findings come at a critical moment. Across many parts of the world, journalists and independent media organisations are facing growing pressure. Reporters are being threatened, detained, attacked and silenced, while misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly through digital platforms. In such an environment, protecting independent journalism is not simply a matter of defending freedom of expression. It is also a matter of protecting human life. Journalism as a Humanit...