“Our role for women in Afghanistan is not over”

Together with ‘Mothers for Peace’, Vanlerberghe tries to organize education and health care for women in Afghanistan.

Jennie Vanlerberghe, ‘Moeders Voor Vrede’: “We have trained so many women. They know what healthcare is. They can take care of themselves. Some can work, maybe a little bit. It is not lost, but it should not be destroyed completely.”

“Role Not Played Out”

‘Women Without a Country’ are all gripping testimonies of women who, despite everything, try to take their place in society, education and health care under the Taliban. The role of ‘Mothers For Peace’ in Afghanistan is not over.

“We were able to start again,” says Jennie. “We already have a class with 50 students. We are also starting doctor’s work again, because we really can’t let those people down. But it’s little by little and we have to be very careful, careful. And when the Taliban approaches , then leave.”

“Impossible to go back”

The women who worked with ‘Mothers for Peace’ in Afghanistan and who fled to our country, remain in Ypres. It is impossible to return, but they keep in touch with the home front.

Razia Arefi: “I myself keep posting messages against the Taliban to raise awareness and spread the news about Afghanistan. As long as the Taliban is in power, it’s not safe for me. I don’t really feel safe, but I keep dreaming of Afghanistan and the return home.”

“Young Women So Strong & Stubborn”

But the attention for Afghanistan today has been snowed under by other world conflicts. But the struggle of women to get an education continues unabated.

Journalist Rudi Vranckx: “The girls – and I hope so – those young women from Afghanistan are so strong, stubborn. It is actually unlikely how strong they are. And I think: maybe they are afraid of women, that’s why they don’t want to admit it.”