At a time when Afghanistan is going through significant challenges and support from many international humanitarian agencies has withdrawn, because of the recent Taliban government decision preventing women from working in NGOs, IFSW has responded to a request from the Afghanistan Social Workers Organisation to meet with them, local NGOs and key government Ministries.
IFSW has been in regular contact with the President of the Afghanistan Social Work Organisation, Massoud Ayoubi who has worked tirelessly with the Taliban government, communities and NGOs, during this critical period, to promote the co-building necessary in the social and economic development of Afghanistan.
Secretary-General of IFSW, Rory Truell, Global Vice President, Ana Radulescu, and the Iranian Association’s International Officer, Hamed Olamaee will be hosted by the Afghanistan Social Workers Organisation (ASO) with travel commencing on the 25th of January.
Rory Truell said, “Our primary objective is to support social workers and the development of community and state-based social services. This objective fully includes supporting women in their roles as social workers and in social services as this is essential for social and economic development. Our colleagues in Afghanistan are doing an incredible job supporting all people and advancing the profession under very complex circumstances. They and we are looking forward to developing stronger partnerships based on mutual learning, support and social work values.
IFSW President Joachim Mumba commented, “It is IFSW’s responsibility to stand together with social workers in times of challenge and I am very happy that we are able to send a very experienced team that can work alongside local social workers, communities and authorities supporting bridges for respectful inclusive development”.
The trip has been approved by the Taliban government, and the ASO / IFSW representatives will meet with various Ministries to highlight the importance of social work to the social and economic development of Afghanistan. ASO President, Massoud Ayoubi hopes that this visit will stimulate ongoing partnerships to support development in Afghanistan and start the process of ASO joining IFSW as an independent professional association.
Updates will be provided when possible.