Welcome to Episode Three of The Afghanistan Project Podcast, where cohosts Mikael Cook and Beth Bailey highlight the struggles of Afghans living under Taliban rule, and the efforts of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and political affiliations who have stepped up to provide support to the people of Afghanistan in the chaos that followed the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Our guests this week are from Afghan company Aseel, which is working to empower Afghan artisans, and assist the people of Afghanistan who face serious hardships due to the country’s economic decline. Omar Haidari is Aseel’s public relations lead. He is joined by Humaira, a young Afghan woman and Aseel employee whose work has been a source of hope even as the Taliban attempts to erase women from society.
In this episode, Omar discusses Aseel’s mission at its inception to connect Afghan artisans with international audiences. Omar explains how the instability that followed the U.S. withdrawal left Aseel without a means to bring artisanal handicrafts to market. Simultaneously, Afghans were suffering from displacement and hunger, and no international humanitarian organizations were present in the country to alleviate their suffering. In response to the aid vacuum, Aseel began offering life-sustaining support to Afghans in need. Aseel does this by providing food, warming materials, and basic supplies to recipients whom they identify through their Omid system, named after the Dari word for “hope.” With a second harsh winter under Taliban rule already claiming dozens of Afghan lives, and hundreds of non-governmental organizations suspending operations in the country due to Taliban misogyny, Omar underscores the crucial importance of the aid Aseel is providing.
Humaira and Omar also discuss Aseel’s role in empowering Afghans through the reinstated “Buy Good” section of their site. The company looks forward to revitalizing the rich culture of Afghanistan by once more enabling artisans to bring their products to international buyers. By adding more women artisans to their fold, particularly those who are disabled or who have been widowed and must act as their family’s sole breadwinners, Aseel seeks to aid the Afghan women who have been stripped of their human rights in passing months.
As a young Afghan woman who saw her future change permanently after the Taliban took control of the country, Humaira offers an emotional view of the transformation her work at Aseel made in her life. With her renewed sense of purpose, Humaira tells listeners about how she aims to help her fellow Afghans search for light amidst the darkness.
Our episode concludes with a letter written by Afghan special immigrant visa applicant Zarmina, whose name has been changed for her protection. After applying for her SIV in August 2021, Zarmina tells listeners about how her family attempted through multiple means to exit the country as the Taliban took over Kabul. She also describes in devastating detail the hopelessness she feels while she lives in hiding with her family and awaits Chief of Mission approval, the first step of the SIV process.
About our guests:
Follow Aseel on Twitter @ASEELApp or Instagram @aseelapp. Support their efforts by visiting their website, http://aseelapp.com/, where you can purchase aid packages to help Afghan families in need, or buy beautiful pieces of art, jewelry, tapestry, and clothing that help Afghans support themselves in trying times.
You can also follow Omar on Instagram @omar.haidari and Twitter @OmarHaidari1.
