When Freedom Is Lacking and Help Becomes Possible – Two Perspectives on Global Politics
Two experts on Afghanistan and international health
An impressive political evening took place on 10 March in our auditorium. Our speakers, Ms van Haren* and Ms Stephanie Loose**, both altruistic and deeply committed through their work on the ground, gave vivid accounts of the challenges involved in supporting women and girls in Africa and Afghanistan.
The talks were very moving. The question-and-answer session that followed was at times even more striking, as it highlighted the very limited prospects available to young women under Taliban rule and the difficulties faced by pregnant girls in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and the Congo.
Using different approaches, both speakers presented the issue of women’s rights in a compelling way. The timing was particularly relevant, coming immediately after the opening speech of UN Secretary-General Mr Guterres at the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
**Ms van Haren: Inventor and coordinator of the JamboMama project, as well as founder and president of SAHFA (Smart Access to Health For All), the organization under which the program operates.
JamboMama is a project designed primarily to support pregnant women and mothers in remote, rural, and underserved areas—particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania. The name “JamboMama” means “Hello Mama” in Swahili, and the initiative is directed precisely at these women.
JamboMama was originally developed as a smartphone app that helps women—even in remote villages—build better connections to medical care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first days after delivery.
** Ms Stephanie Loose: UN-Habitat’s mandate is to help make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. In Kabul today, this mission faces immense challenges.
Since the Taliban took power in August 2021, women and girls have been particularly affected. Girls are only allowed to attend primary school, up to about age 12. Women are banned from parks and most public spaces, and they are not permitted to work. Access to healthcare is also limited, as there are too few female doctors available to treat them.
At the same time, the country has seen a sharp rise in population. Over the past two years, since September 2023, more than four million people have been deported from neighboring Pakistan and Iran back to Afghanistan—often with little more than the clothes they were wearing. A population increase of over 10 percent in such a short period would strain any country. For Afghanistan, it has created an especially difficult situation. For many of those affected, it is a personal tragedy—particularly for young people who have never lived in Afghanistan before.
