International Womens Conference - Afghanistan

Just a few days ago I was sitting in Afghanistan with a group of women from all over the country. I went with the intent of getting qualitative interviews, but what happened is… I heard their stories. On an intimate level. And every one of them was full of pervasive inequality and suffering.

The Taliban enforced some of the most violent and egregious limitations on women’s rights in modern statehood. And I know this audience is clearly aware of the violations. As you know these restrictions were severely and brutally enforced, the consequences included public stoning for even being accused of adultery or dishonor, they’ve been physically tortured, beaten severely, brutally mutilated, burned alive or had acid thrown at them—as well as being forced to marry at a very early age, raped or sold into prostitution, with many engaging in self-immolation as a result.

Huffington Post, Foreign Policy, Leadership, Mina Chang, Women, Violent ExtremismMina ChangFebruary 16, 2017women, Afghanistan, Taliban, military, Foreign RelationsSenate

As the aid landscape changes, a new view on NGO neutrality

When aid workers see suffering, they don't respond with pity or shake their heads at the sorrow in the world. They respond with compassion so deep that it moves them to risk their lives to provide food, supplies and hope to people in need.

But good intentions don't always lead to positive outcomes. As the global community shrinks and technology keeps us more informed and connected, the nongovernmental organization (NGO) landscape grows increasingly diverse and complex, creating difficult operational conditions.

Huffington Post, Leadership, Mina ChangMina ChangFebruary 16, 2017humanitarian aid, unintended consequences, aid, usaid, crisis, disaster, neutrality, military, Afghanistan, Iraq, Violent Extremism

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