“Poverty and hardship have forced me to scavenge through the city’s garbage”

Mahria

Trash scavenger, Ghazni

An older woman crouches by a rock with her hands clasped.

“I am 50 years old and I am the sole breadwinner of a family of five. For more than a year now, I have been collecting garbage from morning to night. I’m forced to collect garbage to save my fatherless grandchildren from hunger and the winter cold.

The children are between the ages of 5 and 9, so unable to do heavy work. Our lives became extremely difficult when my husband, seven years ago, and my son, two years ago, became victims of a landmine explosion set up by the Taliban in Ghazni Province.

For the last two years we have been struggling to survive. We live in a house made of mud and straw and cannot afford the monthly rent of 1,000 afghanis. I collect garbage every day and wash people’s laundry together with my daughter-in-law in order to earn money. Collecting garbage and washing clothes is very exhausting, and many nights I can hardly sleep because of the pain in my shoulders, back and legs.

I endured the past winter under challenging circumstances to ensure that my children wouldn’t suffer from the cold. We do not have the means to access aid from government institutions or NGOs, despite my numerous attempts to seek assistance.

On a daily basis, I search among the garbage, looking for recyclable items that I can sell to meet the needs of my children. I gather these recyclables, sell them, and then use the money I earn to bring home two to five pieces of bread daily. Currently I have a small pile of coal, plastic and paper inside my dwelling, which we collected from the garbage.

I visit areas like storage units, the vicinity of the hospital, and a hill nearby to collect garbage. Due to my continuous contact with garbage, I developed skin problems.

Due to collecting scraps and waste, my face and body have become covered in rashes, causing intense itching. I went to the Red Cross for treatment, and the doctor said that I have sunburn and have exposed myself to filth. He gave me an ointment and advised me to apply it to my skin, so I would get better. I also went to the hospital, got some medicine, but unfortunately, my skin condition hasn’t improved yet.

If there was a pile of firewood at home to keep my children warm and food to feed them, I wouldn’t need to collect garbage. When my children cry because there’s no bread, I’m forced to go out and bring food for them.

Now, as the weather has already turned cold, my concerns have grown. How can I, at this age with a painful back and all these hardships, continue to provide for my children?

I expect the government, well-wishers and organizations to help those in need and address their issues.”

“Many times, when I write about a woman’s life, tears roll down my cheeks”

A young woman sits at a desk, typing on her laptop.