Save the Children, with financial support from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), has distributed three rounds of cash assistance to 5,600 families (46,002 individuals) in six provinces of Afghanistan (Laghman, Nangarhar, Jawzjan, Faryab, Sar-e-Pul, and Balkh). Each family received $140, equivalent to 10,000 AFN, in each round, totaling approximately $2,352,000 distributed across the targeted families in these provinces.

Of the 46,002 individuals in the targeted provinces, 14,384 are female, highlighting the significant role of women in rural communities. The cash assistance empowers women by giving them money to address their essential needs and reduce their reliance on male partners.

The aid can be used for healthcare, nutrition, or purchasing food items. The distribution of funds is vital due to the lack of employment opportunities during the harsh winter months, which leads to food shortages among the population. We targeted vulnerable families with children under five years old, pregnant and lactating women, disabled children and individuals with chronic illnesses.

Fariha*, (32) a beneficiary of this program, said: "I am a mother of seven. My youngest child, Siar, is one year old and solely relies on my breastmilk for nourishment. During winter, my husband struggles to find work as he typically works in other people's fields. I extend my heartfelt thanks to your organization for providing us with this financial support. The amount of money we received sustained us for three months. We were able to purchase warm clothing, such as shoes and sweaters, for my children and buy essential food items."