The recent reports, images and footage coming out of Afghanistan have been shocking. The Taliban have taken effective control over the whole of the country, including the capital city of Kabul. The future of the Afghan people is uncertain but there is cause for deep concern. Already, many hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced within Afghanistan and thousands of civilians have been injured or killed in the first half of 2021 alone (see below for sources). And, if history is anything to go by, women and girls stand to lose the most during conflict and instability.

We do not know what the future holds for the people of Afghanistan, but we can provide support to those in need. Afghanaid is an established charity that is community-led, providing basic services and emergency relief, as well as protecting people's livelihoods whilst promoting gender inclusion and women's rights. A small donation can go a long way. For instance, just £12 provides a family with a bio-sand filter, ensuing their access to clean water and reducing illness. Given the limited access to hospitals at the moment, this could make an enormous difference in people's lives.

The knitting, crochet, and fibre arts community is a generous one and we are asking to you donate whatever you can for this incredibly important cause. If you are unable to donate, please help to spread the word!

Your support could really make a difference to those who need it most. Please donate what you can today and help Afghanaid continue their work and support vulnerable Afghans for generations to come. Thank you.

#KnittingForAfghanistan

Sources:

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9296/#:~:text=The%20total%20Afghan%20population%20is,in%20Kabul%20and%20other%20cities.

https://www.afghanaid.org.uk/Appeal/help-families-in-afghanistan

Sophie Hemmings