Empowerment and Protection - Stories of Human Security Oct. 2014 | Page 24

DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS
AFGHANISTAN
EXTREME POVERTY RATE

SCHOOL PARTICIPATION RATE

70%

(ECO SECRETARIAT)

29.8% IN 2011

5% IN 1999
GIRLS

(UNDP 2014)

(EFA 2000)

45% IN 2012
(SAMADY 2013)

53% IN 1999
ILLITERACY RATE

BOYS

(EFA 2000)

70% IN 2012 (SAMADY 2013)

72% IN 2000
(UN DATA 2014)

Many of the interviewees state that having a job
enables them to protect and provide for their
families, which in return gives them a sense of
gratification, while others mention that having a
job enables them to fight for their rights. Others
believe that opportunities for employment have
improved since 2001 and that this has given them
independence and hope for a better future.

RLD BANK 2014A)

As Ahmad Shah, a 63-year-old resident of Nangarhar
province, reflects, “The economy is the greatest
contributor to my security. When I saw that the
economy in Afghanistan was improving I decided to
return to Afghanistan with my family, leaving my job
in Pakistan. I now have a business here and am able
to take care of my family’s financial needs.”

=10.000.000

“ he economy is
T
the greatest
contributor to
my security.”
Similarly, Abdul Rahim, an ethnic Tajik who is 48
years old and works as a driver, says, “Employment
opportunities and the presence of the international
community make me feel secure.”

Education and literacy

Utilising education and one’s knowledge of the
legal framework is repeatedly cited as a means
of creating security. Respondents comment
not only on education’s ability to raise income
and skil