Kabul, Afghanistan – Rahila Bibi* developed obstetric fistula when she gave birth for the sixth time last year. Her baby also did not survive the prolonged labour, resulting in a stillbirth. She was in labour for three days and did not immediately go to a health facility. When she finally decided to seek professional help, it was too late.

Baghlan, Afghanistan – “Women were in shock. They’ve lost their homes, they’ve lost family members.” The image of destruction caused by the massive flooding in the northern part of Afghanistan remains vivid in the minds of midwives Habiba Danish and Roqia Saberi. But what struck them more was the suffering of women in the affected communities that they witnessed.

Balkh, Afghanistan – In just one day, Sonika, a psychosocial counsellor, saw two female clients seeking psychosocial support services. Both women had one thing in common – they were experiencing post-partum depression exacerbated by problems induced by climate change.