Story
I am embarking on a journey of 3,500KM, pedalling on six of April from Potsdam, Germany, to Lisbon, Portugal. This isn't just any adventure; it's a mission fuelled by compassion, determination, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the world. As I pedal through The Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Spain, my goal is to shine a spotlight on the plight of women in Afghanistan, particularly those in the provinces of Ghor, Parwan, and Logar, some of the most deprived and impoverished provinces of Afghanistan.
Why Afghanistan, and why these provinces, you might ask? Afghanistan faces a grave humanitarian crisis, with 23 million in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Despite the lack of global attention to Afghanistan, certain areas remain forgotten. Ghor, Parwan, and Logar are regions with little to no aid, leaving their populations in dire straits even before the Taliban’s return and the NATO withdrawal in August 2021. The women there face unimaginable daily challenges, many without a male breadwinner, whose husbands have either been killed in the war or detained and arrested, struggling to provide for their families and secure the most basic necessities of life.
This is where our journey intersects with theirs. By bike-packing more than 3,500KM, I am not only testing my limits but also raising awareness and funds for these incredibly resilient women. Our goal is ambitious yet critical: to support the 100 most vulnerable women in these provinces, offering them aid in the form of food packages & cash assistance. Approximately 4,400 Afghanis (Afs) will be given to each woman, providing them with the means to survive. If we exceed our target goal, we can help more impoverished women.
To make this happen, I am partnering with the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association, an award-winning charitable organisation based in the UK known for its unwavering commitment to aiding vulnerable groups in Afghanistan and supporting refugees in the UK. They established the first Citizens Advice Centres in Kabul and Baghlan in 2013 and have delivered women empowerment projects across the country. Their expertise and team on the ground will ensure that the funds I raise will directly impact the lives of those who need it most. The journey of 3,500KM will take 40 days—in which we have the power to change lives. But this mission isn't just mine; it's ours.
By supporting this fundraiser, you're not just donating money; you're uplifting communities and advocating for a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they are born.
The road ahead is long, and the challenge is immense, but together, we can make a difference. Join me as I embark on this life-changing journey to bring hope, aid, and awareness to the women of Ghor, Parwan, and Logar.
Let's not just dream of a better world; let's make it a reality, one kilometre at a time.