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Rescue Efforts in Afghanistan Overlook Women Amid Cultural Norms

9/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rescue workers reached Bibi Aysha’s village in eastern Afghanistan over 36 hours after the earthquake.
The all-male team focused on men and children, overlooking injured women and girls.
Taliban-enforced cultural norms limit interactions between non-family men and women.
Women, including Aysha, felt neglected during the rescue efforts.
This situation underscores the difficulties women face in emergency responses in Afghanistan.

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Story summary

Rescue workers reached Bibi Aysha’s village in eastern Afghanistan over 36 hours after the earthquake.
The all-male team focused on men and children, overlooking injured women and girls.
Taliban-enforced cultural norms limit interactions between non-family men and women.
Women, including Aysha, felt neglected during the rescue efforts.
This situation underscores the difficulties women face in emergency responses in Afghanistan.