World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

WFP believes that empowering women and girls is the first step to a world free from hunger. Working with the government, WFP is enabling these Afghan women from Kandahar - the second largest city in Afghanistan - to receive Literacy Training from the Women's Affairs Department.

Nelofar Abdullah, 40, brought her granddaughter to the literacy class with her. "I can write my name. I can read some things now," she says. "We are so happy for this assistance."

Education is the first step to women's empowerment.  According to a study done by Save the Children, most women in Afghanistan receive fewer than five years of formal education.  WFP food assistance encourages women to attend Literacy classes. 

WFP food distribution at a literacy training at the Women's Affairs Department in Kandahar.

Two years ago, 30-year-old Madina participated in a vocational training programme on sewing. Now, she's the one who teaches sewing to the new trainees. "We are able to save money because we don't need to pay anymore for tailors at the market," she says. 

WFP's work in Afghanistan reflects its commitment to empowering women with projects that promote girls' and women's education and skills training.  In this photo, women gather for sewing classes at the Department of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyred and Disabled in Kandahar.

For these women, learning new skills such as embroidery enables them to have alternative sources of income.  Embroidery classes are held at the Department of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyred and the Disabled in Kandahar City.