Afghan Women Bear the Weight of Water Crisis as Drought and Infrastructure Failures Deepen

KABUL, Afghanistan — Marofa, 52, stood in a muddy lane in Kabul's Deh Mazang district, her grey-white hair visible as she pushed back her headscarf. With containers at her feet, she voiced a despair shared by many: "You see this hair? Even I, with my white hair, I have to carry water. These containers are heavy. We have no strength left."

The water she hauls uphill daily from a local mosque's well is undrinkable—yellow and brackish—yet it's a lifeline for her household. Afghanistan, already reeling from decades of conflict, now faces a compounding crisis: severe drought, crumbling infrastructure, and economic collapse under Taliban governance have left millions without reliable access to clean water. Aid agencies warn that water scarcity is exacerbating malnutrition and disease, particularly affecting women and children in poor urban areas.

"This isn't just about thirst; it's a daily struggle for dignity," said a local aid worker, who requested anonymity due to security concerns. "Women, often elderly, are bearing the physical burden of a systemic failure."

Voices from the Community:

"My mother is Marofa's neighbor. She has back pain from carrying water, but what choice is there? The Taliban promised services, but we see only neglect." — Amina Saidi, 28, teacher in Kabul.

"This crisis is a direct result of international isolation and poor governance. While the world debates aid, our people are drinking mud. It's a disgrace." — Haris Mohammadi, 45, economist in exile.

"I've worked in water projects here. The solution requires investment in wells and pipelines, not just emergency aid. But who will fund it under the current regime?" — David Chen, 50, NGO project manager.

"They blame the Taliban, but where were the previous governments? This suffering has gone on for years. Everyone has failed us." — Zahra Karimi, 60, retired nurse (sharply critical).