A female doctor has opened a women’s health clinic in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital city of the northern Balkh province. She has invested at least USD 200,000 to build the clinic in order to showcase Afghan women’s entrepreneurial capacities as they face increasing restrictions from the Taliban leadership in Kabul.
The clinic provides essential medical care for skin diseases, maternity services, gynecology, and orthopedic services for women.
Parastoo Shaheer Atayee, founder and owner of the clinic, says that the clinic provides free maternity care. “In addition to creating jobs for educated girls, we want to serve our people, particularly the women, by building this center,” she adds.
A total of 10 female doctors have started working at the clinic, and there are plans to hire more physicians and staff members.
Zahra Sadat has recently started working at the medical center. Zahra says she previously knocked on many doors to find employment in her field of studies but to no avail. Speaking on behalf of those who have graduated from the medical faculty, Zahra says, “Our demand is that there should be more work opportunities for women, at such medical centers. Afghan women are talented, and they can contribute tremendously, creating lasting impact.”
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed many restrictions on Afghan women’s ability to pursue education and work. The group has effectively banned girls from attending schools above the 6th grade while also removing women from many governmental posts.
