Supporting Afghan Women and Girls on the Move

Farzana, her husband, and their 13-year-old daughter, Nargis, were forced to leave their home behind due to insecurity and increasingly difficult living conditions in Afghanistan. When they arrived in Türkiye, they carried little more than a few belongings: their belief in a new beginning, their dream of building a safer future for their daughter, and their hope of finding strength again together.

The family faced many challenges as they began their new life in Türkiye. Living in a new city, struggling official procedures in an unfamiliar language, and meeting their daily needs were all challenging for the family. Through the guidance of their neighbors, they became acquainted with the Association for Social Development and Aid Mobilization (ASAM). Being able to communicate in Farsi enabled Farzana to express herself more comfortably and share her needs.

ASAM provided legal counselling to help the family understand the legal processes they were navigating. Through regular information sessions on identification procedures, signature requirements, their rights, and responsibilities, the family also took part in social cohesion activities and began adapting more confidently to life in Türkiye.

Despite the challenges they have faced, the family has continued to take new steps toward their future as they gained access to support services. Today, they are working to rebuild their lives in another province in Türkiye. While coping with pain caused by a herniated disc, Farzana is also closely attending to her daughter Nargis’s health needs, which require regular follow-up. Ensuring that Nargis can access the healthcare services she needs in a timely manner is one of Farzana’s greatest sources of happiness.

Throughout this process, ASAM has stood by the family through interpreter support during hospital visits, close follow-up, and coordination with relevant institutions. As a result, Farzana and her family have not had to navigate these healthcare processes on their own.

Nargis starting school became one of the strongest sources of hope for the family in their new life. For Farzana, her daughter’s continued education marks the beginning of a path where she can feel safe and build friendships.

The psychological support provided through a holistic approach is helping the family look to the future with greater confidence. For Farzana, this support is not only about addressing today’s needs; it also means ensuring that Nargis can have a healthy, safe, and nurturing childhood in which she can pursue her dreams. For Farzana and her family, feeling safe means having the chance to begin again.

(Note: The beneficiaries’ real names have been changed.)