On 10 December 2025, the IUF-affiliated Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), the Yellowfin Tuna Fishers’ Union in the Maldives, renewed its call for the government to enforce fair prices for their catch as previously committed. This year, the action grew significantly, with 50 boats with over 500 members joining the rally highlighting the pressure on fishers’ and their families’ incomes and livelihoods. BKMU members use handline methods to catch yellowfin tuna sustainably, avoiding over-fishing and protecting the ocean ecosystem.
Following repeated actions by BKMU, the government committed to buy yellowfin tuna at a fair price to protect fishers’ livelihoods. However, despite continued calls, this commitment has not been implemented.
This year, the IUF-affiliated Tourism Employees Association of the Maldives (TEAM) joined BKMU in calling on the government to prioritize locally and sustainably sourced seafood to be served in the resorts. Their join proposal supports the BKMU members, their families and the local communities as well as the Maldives government’s international commitments.
“We are catching sustainably sourced seafood here in the Maldives, yet resorts are flying in frozen fish from thousands of miles away. It damages the environment but also the livelihoods of local communities. Serving locally sourced seafood across, more than 200, resorts is more environmentally, economically, socially, and ethically sustainable.” Mauroof Zakir, TEAM General Secretary
Both unions emphasize that government action on pricing and local sourcing is essential to meeting the Maldives’ commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their demands align with SDG 8.9 and SDG 12.b (Decent Work & Responsible Consumption and Production), ensuring fair income and decent livelihoods for fishers while promoting sustainable tourism. Encouraging resorts to source locally is a concrete step toward fulfilling these obligations, reducing the carbon footprint of imports, and supporting sustainable fishing methods.
SDG 13 and SDG 14 (Climate Action & Life Below Water) are deeply interconnected in the Maldives. Fair prices help secure the future of responsible fishing, while local sourcing by resorts reduces emissions and protects marine biodiversity.
“Our members care fighting to protect their livelihoods and the local communities. Allowing unfair pricing that undermines handline fishing directly contradicts government’s commitment. We want the government to fulfill it’s promise of fair price and promote locally sourced seafood.” Hussain Nasheed, BKMU President
BKMU and TEAM are urging the government to invest in small-scale processing facilities through which resorts can source tuna directly from within the Maldives. Such facilities would create local employment, sustainable food, and increase income for fishers and local community.
What’s good for fishers’ and their families is also good for Maldives.
The following story is proudly published together with The Afghan Times, the leading voice of women and girls in Afghanistan.
The country is gripped by severe drought and water scarcity, leaving many to struggle daily for access to clean water.
In the desolate hills of rural Afghanistan, life revolves around the simplest and most essential of human needs: water. It’s dawn, and the sun casts its first light over a rugged, barren landscape. Two sisters, ages 15 and 14, drape scarves over their heads, tightening them against the chilly morning breeze. Today, like every day, they will begin a journey—one that takes them miles away from home in search of clean water, a task that has come to define their young lives.
With a steady determination far beyond their years, they urge their faithful donkey, a gray, weathered creature burdened with empty yellow jerry cans, across the rocky terrain. This journey, lasting several hours, is not just about water. It is a daily quest for survival—a routine that leaves no room for childhood.
The Daily Reality of Water Insecurity
“We wake up before sunrise,” says the elder sister, her voice carrying the weight of fatigue. “We have to go early, or we will lose time.” In the stark landscape of southern Afghanistan, time is measured not in minutes, but in distances to the nearest water source—a journey that, even under the best of conditions, can take three hours each way. The narrow, twisting path is a familiar one to the sisters, but it remains dangerous. They know they must reach the water before it’s too crowded, and before the water itself runs dry.
As they walk, their sandals kicking up clouds of dust, the only sounds are the braying of their donkey and the crunch of gravel underfoot. They are alone in a wilderness that is as harsh as it is beautiful—a wilderness made harsher by years of drought, neglect, and now, by a new political reality that has plunged the nation deeper into crisis. Since the Taliban returned to power, the sisters’ village, like many others, has been cut off from international aid. Development projects have vanished, promises of new wells have faded, and hope has become a distant memory.
A Childhood Stolen by Necessity
For these girls, fetching water is more than a chore—it’s a sacrifice. Each day spent hauling water is a day lost to the potential of education. “I used to go to school,” says the younger sister, clutching the donkey’s reins, “but there was no time left.” The school is far, and the needs of their family are many. Their parents, grappling with the instability that has swept across Afghanistan, rely on the girls to ensure that the household has enough water to survive.
The elder sister’s face, framed by a tightly drawn headscarf, is set with determination. Yet, when she speaks of her dreams, there is a flicker of vulnerability. “I wanted to be a teacher,” she admits, “but first, we need water. Without it, we can’t do anything.” Their voices carry not just the weight of the water they bear, but the silent resignation of two children forced to shoulder responsibilities that no child should face.
The Dangers Lurking in the Shadows
The path they take to fetch water is not safe. In Taliban-controlled regions, the sisters face dangers at every turn. There are rumors of violence, of roadblocks, and of girls who have disappeared while performing this same daily ritual. The new regime’s restrictions have only amplified the risks, and the absence of security forces means that there are no protections, only the mercy of the unknown.
Yet, they continue. “We don’t have a choice,” the elder sister says, her voice low and resolved. “If we don’t go, there’s nothing to drink.” Their mother, wracked with worry, waits for their safe return each afternoon, glancing anxiously at the horizon, hoping that this day will end like the last, without incident.
The water they collect—often cloudy, sometimes muddy—is rarely safe. Contaminated wells and polluted streams are all that remain for most villagers in this forgotten corner of the world. Still, it’s the only water they have. The burden of illness is one they are familiar with, having watched neighbors grow sick and frail from the very thing they must drink to survive.
The Costs of Water Scarcity in Afghanistan’s Forgotten Corners
The girls’ story is not unique. Across rural Afghanistan, millions face the same desperate circumstances. Years of conflict have eroded infrastructure, and the international aid that once trickled in has all but vanished. Droughts, worsened by climate change, have shriveled streams and wells, and the relentless march of time has turned fertile lands into deserts. The collapse of the previous government has only deepened the crisis. Water, once accessible through tenuous pipelines and sporadic aid projects, has now become a luxury—one that requires resilience, strength, and sometimes, the sacrifice of safety.
The sisters’ worn faces tell the story of a generation robbed of its future. As they make the long trek home, the heavy containers sloshing with water, their pace slows. The weight digs into their shoulders, leaving indentations on their fragile frames. The journey is harder in the afternoon sun, but there is no room for hesitation. The family must have water to drink, to cook, to wash—tasks that have become back-breaking necessities.
A Cry for Global Awareness
Their daily walk is a stark reminder that water insecurity is not just an inconvenience, but a life-altering struggle. In Afghanistan, it means children sacrificing their education, their health, and sometimes their safety, to meet the most basic of needs. It is a problem that has slipped from the world’s consciousness as political debates dominate headlines and humanitarian crises compete for attention.
Yet, the sisters’ faces linger in the mind. They are young, but their eyes carry the wisdom of survival, the unspoken resilience of children who have been forced to grow up too fast. As they approach their village, the sun beginning to sink behind the hills, their mother rushes to meet them, relief washing over her face. The water they bring is poured carefully into clay jars, precious drops guarded like gold. Tomorrow, they will make the journey again, and the day after that, and the day after that.
What the World Must Do
Afghanistan’s struggle with water scarcity is a call for urgent global attention. Sustainable solutions like rainwater harvesting and the construction of safe wells are not luxuries—they are lifelines.
Dr. Huda Ahmadi, a humanitarian worker focused on water access in Afghanistan, stresses, “Water is the most basic human need, and without it, survival itself is at risk. The international community must step in to provide the support and resources needed to address this crisis, especially in rural areas like Khost, where families are forced to walk for hours to find clean water.”
The story of Afghanistan’s water insecurity is not just about survival—it is about resilience in the face of crisis. “This is not just a fight for water,” says Faizullah Kakar, an Afghan development expert. “It is a fight for dignity, for hope, and for the future of the generations that will inherit this land.”
Afghanistan’s ongoing battle for access to clean water underlines a critical issue: it is not only a matter of necessity, but of human rights. The faces of young children, the sick, and the elderly, who must endure the daily struggle for water, are a reminder of what is at stake. It is the future of a nation, the well-being of its citizens, and the ability to fulfill even the most basic human needs.
The United Nations estimates that 6 million Afghans are now on the brink of starvation, with an additional 28 million in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
“I am tired; first, they closed my university, and now that I chose to work in the restaurant, they closed this as well,” said Shabnam.
The report outlines how Taliban-imposed bans on women’s education, employment, and mobility and even personal expression are undermining agricultural productivity and food security, contributing to an economic collapse marked by high inflation and widespread unemployment. The restrictions on women’s employment and escalating food insecurity are also resulting in a rise in child labour further pushing families into debt and putting children’s futures at extreme risk.
The report emphasizes the vital role women play in achieving food security and calls for the restoration of their rights and full participation in the food system.
“There is no food system in the world that can be resilient, sustainable and fulfill the need for food and nutrition without women. Women must be involved in all stages of the food system from farm to plate, in all different roles and occupations from farming to research and education. It is women who feed the world, and to do so women need jobs, access to education and resources, but most of all access to rights.” Dr. Hidayat Greenfield, IUF Asia/Pacific Regional Secretary.
While international aid agencies continue to provide food assistance, the Taliban’s restrictions on foreign NGOs have forced many organizations to scale back their operations. This has particularly affected women-led households, which often relied on aid as their primary source of food and income.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Afghan communities have shown remarkable resilience and determination through community-led initiatives, education programs, and subsistence farming. Many women have sought alternative ways to contribute to their families and communities, such as starting small businesses from home or engaging in informal work arrangements. Their unwavering commitment is a testament to their strength in the face of adversity.
However, there is an urgent need for governments, organizations, and stakeholders to pressure the Taliban to immediately reverse the bans on women’s education and employment. It is essential to address the restrictive policies imposed by the Taliban, prioritize access to education and skills training to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure access to essential tools, and create opportunities for economic growth in a manner that respects and promotes human rights.
The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations [IUF][1] and its affiliated union Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union [BKMU], the Yellowfin Tuna Fishers Union in the Maldives condemn the Government’s action to re-introduce commercial longline fishing in the Maldives which would have catastrophic social, environmental and climatic consequences. This decision will have devastating impact on the ocean ecosystems and prioritizes the interests of large tuna buyers, potentially threatening the livelihoods of 17,000 local fishermen and affecting a community of 50,000 to 60,000 essentially infringing on their human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, right to freedom of association and collective bargaining and economic stability.
Damaging ocean ecosystem, the environment, and its impact on human rights
Human rights are considered interrelated, inter-dependent and mutually reinforcing, where one right is violated, others cannot be realized. Consequently, human rights and the environment are interconnected. People cannot fully enjoy their human rights without access to a safe, clean, and healthy environment. The Government’s unilateral decision to re-introduce commercial longline fishing violates the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as well as right to food, right to health, an adequate standard of living, cultural rights as well as right to freedom of expression and association.
The human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment
The Maldives government was one of the member countries in 2022 to present the resolution to the UN General Assembly which resulted in the UN General Assembly recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment which obligates the States to respect, protect and promote human rights, including in all actions undertaken to address environmental challenges, and to take measures to protect the human rights of all, as recognized in different international instruments.[2]
The BKMU members employ sustainable and responsible fishing methods, such as handline fishing, to catch yellowfin tuna. They also relocate to different fishing sites when tuna stocks are low or not yet mature. These efforts resulted in replenishing of the tuna stock in the Indian Ocean.
This sustainable approach was highlighted by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment in the Statement at the conclusion of a country visit to the Maldives from April 16-25, 2024. The Special Rapporteur emphasized the impressively sustainable practices of the Maldivian tuna fishery, particularly those of skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishers, who constitute 98 percent of the fisheries in the Maldives. Fishers use sustainable gear, including pole and line and handlines, resulting in low levels of bycatch, relatively low fuel consumption, and adherence to catch levels below the quotas established by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.[3]
However, the Maldives government’s move to re-introduce commercial longline fishing threatens the progress on protecting the stock of tuna and more than 10 endangered species in the Maldives, mostly corals, along with turtles, sharks, rays and birds, which will inadvertently get caught and killed. The proposed guidelines of the Maldives Government allow for the longline fishing vessels to catch sharks, which will be devastating for the ecosystem.
To re-introduce longline fishing is detrimental to the environment and livelihoods, income, and food security of the entire communities who depend on locally sourced tuna for their nutritional needs and is a clear violation of the Maldives government’s commitment to human rights particularly the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. In addition to that, to fully exercise their rights, fishers through their union must have access to information and be able to participate in the decision-making process. However, the Maldives Government’s unilateral decision violates fishers’ ability to access their human rights.
Right to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
The introduction of commercial longline fishing threatens the livelihoods of local fishermen as they risk being replace by fishing fleets directly operated by the large tuna buyers in the Maldives and foreign companies, which most likely will deploy distant water fishing vessels.
This was highlighted in the protest by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union [BKMU] members on June 12, 2024 where 38 tuna boats with more than 570 fishers joined at the sea calling on the government to stop licensing commercial longline fishing. At the protest site, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of Maldives agreed to stop licensing of longline fishing until effective consultation with the union.[4]
However, the government’s decision undermines BKMU’s right to represent its members and collectively bargain which includes effective consultation with the union.
The IUF Asia/Pacific and BKMU call on the Maldives government to immediately reverse the decision to re-introduce commercial longline fishing in the Maldives, protect and promote sustainable fishing and negotiate with the union on demands of fishers fighting for their livelihoods, incomes, and the environment.
[1] The IUF is a global union federation representing 12 million members working in the food sectors and across food systems in 126 countries. The IUF Asia-Pacific is a regional organization of the global IUF.
On World Food Day 2023, we call attention to the extreme hardship faced by women workers in Afghanistan, especially women working in the food system. Afghanistan already faces growing hunger and food insecurity. The Taliban’s suppression of the right of women to work and the right to education is deepening food insecurity and pushing the country into an even greater crisis.
Afghan women have long played a significant role in rebuilding their country, enhancing their communities, and contributing to brighter futures for their families. However, since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced increasing exclusion from public life and society.
Initially, authorities closed girls’ secondary schools, denied women access to universities, and prevented many women Afghan aid workers from carrying out their duties. Additionally, numerous public spaces such as bathhouses, gyms, and parks were declared off-limits for women.
Since August 2022, nine out of 10 Afghan families cannot afford enough food – one of the highest rates globally. Nearly 20 million Afghans are uncertain about their next meal, with six million of them teetering on the brink of famine. The levels of moderate acute malnutrition in the country have reached their highest recorded levels.
In a nation where 20 million people are grappling with acute hunger, and six million are on the brink of famine, the ongoing repercussions of these restrictions on women in both society and the economy will have a profoundly impact.
In this report and the accompanying videos, we hear from courageous Afghan women who confront daily restrictions, persevere in the face of injustice and hunger, and serve as a reminder that – despite the adversity – hope remains a powerful force.
We have conducted face-to-face video interviews with 19 women in various provinces of Afghanistan who either work or have worked in the food sector but are unable to continue due to Taliban restrictions. Additionally, we have interviewed women in food-related fields who were pursuing their studies but had to discontinue them due to bans imposed by the Taliban. Furthermore, we have engaged in conversations with over 50 other women who prefer not to appear on video or disclose their names.
25% Drop in Women’s Employment, Harsh Work Restrictions Hit Afghan Women Hard
The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan led to a 25% drop in women’s employment, worsened by restrictions on women’s access to work and education.
Our conversations with over 70 current or former women workers in the food sector reveal that over a quarter are unable to continue working due to the restrictions imposed on women’s work by the Taliban.
Photo: Arzo Azizyar, By The Afghan Times Photographer
“I have worked at a hotel, but our work has stopped for two years now,” said Arzo Azizyar. “There were 15 of us: five working in the interior, five in the kitchen, and five as waiters.”
Arzo Azizyar was joined by 14 other women working in a hotel. It has been two years now since all of them have been unemployed and unable to continue working.
If the Taliban grants permission, I will resume working,” added Arzo.
Photo: Arezo Jamal, By The Afghan Times Photographer
Arezo Jamal, another Afghan woman who worked as a cook in a hotel, is currently unable to continue her employment. She stated, “I have been unemployed for a year and a half, and I am not currently working. If we are allowed to work again, I will start working again.”
Education Crisis for Afghan Young Women: Barriers and Aspirations
Since September 2021, Afghan young women aged 12 and above have faced an indefinite delay in returning to school, resulting in 1.1 million of them being denied access to formal education. At present, a staggering 80% of school-aged Afghan young women, totaling 2.5 million individuals, are not attending school. Even more shocking is that close to 30% of young women in Afghanistan have never even set foot in primary education institutions.
Fast forward to December 2022, and the situation took another grim turn as university education for women was abruptly halted until further notice. This decision affected more than 100,000 female students attending both government and private higher education institutions.
It is important to note that between 2001 and 2018, the number of women in higher education had soared almost 20-fold. Before this recent suspension, one out of every three young women was actively enrolled in universities.
In Afghanistan, the faculties related to agriculture and food have garnered the attention of Afghan female students. It is noteworthy that Afghan female students have shown a keen interest in these faculties across the board.
In remote areas, 70% of women work in agriculture or learn to work in agriculture from their elders. This may be one of the reasons why women are more interested in a higher education in agriculture and food sciences.
Photo: Atifa, By The Afghan Times Photographer
All the members of Atifa’s family were actively involved in the field of agriculture, and they wholeheartedly encouraged her to pursue her studies in the same field.
“All the members of our family are engaged in agriculture. Unfortunately, after completing just one semester at the Faculty of Agriculture, the Taliban imposed a ban on women’s education”, Atifa said.
She added, “If the Taliban allows women to pursue education, I am determined to resume my university studies again.”
Photo: Sharifa, By The Afghan Times Photographer
Sharifa, a student enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture, found herself facing adversity when the Taliban assumed control.
In her own words, she recounted the challenges that befell her and her fellow female students, stating, “I was in the Faculty of Agriculture. After the Taliban regained power, restrictions were imposed on women’s education. The Taliban closed our university. It’s been two years since our university was closed.”
“If the university doors open for us again, I will start,” Sharifa declared.
Challenges Faced by Afghan Women in the Workplace Under Taliban Rule
Since the Taliban assumed control, there has been a drastic and concerning shift in the professional landscape for women in Afghanistan. There has been a stark reduction in the range of opportunities available to women in the workforce. This dire situation has left countless women grappling with the consequences.
One of the most distressing consequences of the Taliban’s resurgence is the loss of employment for many women. Numerous individuals who were previously employed in various sectors have been abruptly stripped of their jobs, leaving them without a source of income or a means to support their families. This loss of livelihoods has had profound and far-reaching consequences, not only affecting women individually but also impacting their communities and the nation’s economy as a whole.
For those fortunate enough to still retain their jobs, the conditions have become exceedingly restrictive. Women who were once able to engage in professions in public now find themselves relegated to the confines of their homes. The Taliban’s misinterpretation and political misuse of Sharia law has led to a segregated workplace environment, where women are effectively isolated from the public sphere. This arrangement has forced them to work remotely, behind closed doors, away from their colleagues and clients, drastically limiting their ability to interact and contribute effectively in their respective fields.
Photo: Rahila Yousafi, By The Afghan Times Photographer
Rahila, a woman employed in a hotel, declared that: “Women should pursue employment outside the home. Staying indoors can be quite challenging. When a woman who has been actively engaged in society suddenly encounters restrictions, she often finds it difficult to adapt. I have always envisioned going out in the morning and working until evening. Similarly, other women should also explore opportunities to earn their income through work.”
Photo: Hamida, By The Afghan Times Photographer
One of the hotel employees, Hamida Tabasom, spoke about the days when the arrival of the Taliban instilled fear among their colleagues.
“When the Taliban came to power, fear spread everywhere. The female employees at our hotel stopped working due to fear. Our employees were afraid that if the Taliban arrived, they would face beatings.”
“Before the Taliban government, our business was thriving, and we had many customers,” Hamida Tabasom added.
Based on in-depth interviews with 70 women workers, we can categorize the challenges they face as follows:
Financial Struggles:
4 out of 5 respondents reported a significant drop in their household income since August 2021. They attributed this decline to economic challenges, job losses, and reduced business opportunities within their community.
Child Marriage as a Disturbing Outcome:
Among the 70 women interviewed, 10% revealed that severe food insecurity had forced them to arrange marriages for girls under 18 within their families. This highlights the dire consequences of this crisis on the lives of young girls.
Disturbingly, 50% of respondents identified child marriage as a critical safety concern for girls in their community, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to protect vulnerable children.
Reduced Food Consumption and Hunger:
An alarming 85% of women admitted to missing meals in the past two weeks, expressing their anguish over not being able to provide adequate food for themselves and their families.
In 97% of households, women and other family members mentioned reducing their food intake, with some even skipping meals to stretch their limited resources.
Limited Support and Consultation:
Only a third of women claimed to have received any assistance in the last year, highlighting the gap in support for those grappling with financial hardships.
Less than 13% of those who received aid were consulted regarding their specific needs before assistance was provided, revealing a lack of personalized support for affected individuals.
Inadequate Humanitarian Assistance:
Just 20% of surveyed women felt that the humanitarian aid they received met their needs, underscoring the need for more targeted and responsive aid programs.
Furthermore, the women interviewed cited issues with delivery methods, such as aid being distributed in mosques (often inaccessible to women) and assistance being provided by male workers (which prevents access). This indicates the necessity for more inclusive and culturally sensitive aid distribution practices.
“We were in such dire need that we did not cook a hot meal at home for several months,” said Mimona. Photo by The Afghan Times Photographer
This report, titled “Voices of Afghan Women in the Food System: Struggles, Sacrifices, and Strength,” sheds light on the challenges Afghan women have faced since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.
Key points:
Exclusion from Public Life: Afghan women have faced increasing exclusion from public life and society, including the closure of girls’ secondary schools and universities, restrictions on female aid workers, and limitations on public spaces for women.
Food Insecurity: Since August 2022, 90% of Afghan families cannot afford enough food, with nearly 20 million Afghans uncertain about their next meal and six million teetering on the brink of famine. Moderate acute malnutrition has reached its highest recorded levels.
Impact on Women in the Food Sector: Many women who worked in the food sector have been unable to continue their employment due to Taliban restrictions, leading to a 25% drop in female employment in this sector.
Education Crisis: Afghan young women aged 12 and above have faced barriers to education, with 1.1 million denied access to formal education. The suspension of university education for women affected over 100,000 female students.
Interest in Agriculture: Afghan female students showed a keen interest in faculties related to agriculture and food. However, the Taliban’s restrictions disrupted their studies.
Workplace Challenges: The Taliban’s rule has drastically reduced opportunities for women in the workforce. Those who still have jobs often face restrictive conditions, working remotely and in isolation from colleagues and clients.
Impact on Livelihoods: The loss of employment has had profound consequences, affecting not only women individually but also their communities and the nation’s economy.
These key points provide an overview of the report’s findings regarding the struggles faced by Afghan women in the food system under Taliban rule.
The Afghan Times – The Afghan Times organization founded by Afghan women journalists in exile. At The Afghan Times, we believe in empowering the new generation of Afghan citizens by providing them with information and resources to make informed decisions. Our mission is to empower women journalists to tell these important stories through investigative reporting.
The Afghan Times – The Afghan Times organization founded by Afghan women journalists in exile. At The Afghan Times, we believe in empowering the new generation of Afghan citizens by providing them with information and resources to make informed decisions. Our mission is to empower women journalists to tell these important stories through investigative reporting.