Hope Dies Last: An Analysis of Humanitarian Resilience and Women's Rights under Taliban Rule

Abstract

While international NGOs demonstrate resilience amid bureaucratic constraints and pressures of international scrutiny, their ability to effect transformative change is often limited despite access to greater resources and political opportunities. In contrast, local Afghan organisations exhibit remarkable adaptability in response to immediate physical threats and cultural challenges. They leverage grassroots networks and innovative approaches to ensure access to essential services, particularly for women. The findings illustrate the complexities of humanitarian engagement in oppressive spaces, emphasising that while both types of actors strive for progress, their resilience is expressed differently based on the varying nature of the challenges they face. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader understanding of the roles and limitations of humanitarian actors in Afghanistan, highlighting the need for continuous learning and strategic adaptation in the pursuit of women's rights and social justice.