Interview med Ashley Jackson, Oxfam’s hjemvendende Head of Policy and Advocacy in Afghanistan, om 2 års arbejde i det plagede land. Sur og sød læsning.
Oxfam has been working in Afghanistan for three decades and currently operates in 20 of the country’s 34 provinces, often through local partners. We work on long-term development projects,.
Especially in the poorest and most remote areas of the country. Afghanistan is also affected by major disasters such as floods, drought and earthquakes. When they happen, we provide emergency humanitarian relief.
In my role as Head of Policy and Advocacy, I advocated on important issues that affect ordinary Afghans, like protection of civilians and improving the impact of international aid to ensure it reaches those who need it most. We need to make sure that in the middle of all the political and military debate, Afghan voices and concerns are still heard loud and clear.
What have been some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over the last two years?
The security situation has deteriorated dramatically. I’m based in Kabul where it is still relatively safe. But whereas when I first arrived I was able to travel quite easily – example – now it is more difficult. There are a number of areas that Oxfam, like other NGOs, can no longer travel to, or work in. And that makes it much more difficult to reach those who need our help.
My first trip outside of Kabul was to a remote area in the north of the country, where I visited a women’s literacy class. I remember talking to one woman, who must have been in her 50s, about what it was like to learn how to read so late in life. She said it was like being blind and then learning how to see. She was able to go to the market and buy things, as she could finally read the money and knew she wouldn’t be cheated. She said that the greatest joy she had as a grandmother was helping her grandchildren learn how to read as that was something that no one will be able to take away from them, no matter what happens in the future.
