In Surkhrod district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, Fruzan, a mother of ten and the sole provider for her children, has endured a life of hardships.
The shelter in which they lived was in very poor condition, with no doors or windows. In summer, the heat was unbearable, and in winter, cold winds and rain entered through the open gaps, creating freezing conditions for herself and her family.
"Every night I was worried not just about the cold, but about the safety of my children," she said.
The home also offered no protection from snakes, insects or intruders, leaving Fruzan and her children exposed to multiple risks.
"We had no door to lock. Strangers, animals and rain could enter anytime," she recounted.
In a context where women have extremely limited access to livelihood opportunities, Fruzan struggled to meet the day-to-day needs of her family.
As winter approached, she worried about serious health consequences for her children, some of whom were already unwell due to the poor living conditions.
With funding support from the OCHA-managed Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), international non-governmental organization Danish Refugee Council helped upgrade Fruzan's shelter to improve safety, insulation and dignity, including the installation of doors and windows.
For the first time in years, the family could sleep in a secure and protected space.
"Now, with this shelter repaired, I feel safe. My children are warm and I can finally sleep without fear," Fruzan shared.
Across eastern Afghanistan, the AHF has been supporting winter assistance, prioritizing households facing the highest risks. These include women-headed households, displaced families, returnees, and households with persons with disabilities.
More information on the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund
Read the full story of how the Fund has helped families in Afghanistan: Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund supports families facing a harsh winter | OCHA
