Female employees affiliated with the ARWEO organization in eastern Kunar province have publicly voiced distress over severe financial delays, revealing that they have not received their monthly compensation for three consecutive months.
In a direct joint letter submitted to Zawia News, the affected female staff members stated that despite the official expiration of their project contracts, their legitimate earnings continue to be withheld by ARWEO management under recurring administrative pretexts.
Economic Strain on Female-Headed Households
The affected workers highlighted that the non-payment directly threatens the basic survival of their dependents, especially given the severe employment constraints across the eastern region:
- Sole Breadwinners Under Pressure: Most of the female employees serve as the primary or sole income earners for their families, bearing the financial burden of feeding, housing, and supporting dependents amidst rising living costs.
- Contract Expirations and Excuses: The workers noted that while their operational contracts have reached their end dates, ARWEO leadership has continually delayed finalizing back pay, citing internal administrative hurdles.
- Impact of Aid Sector Contraction: The dispute underscores broader vulnerabilities within local non-governmental organizations operating under de facto governance, where donor cuts, legal restrictions, and management delays leave field staff at extreme financial risk.
Calls for Immediate Administrative Resolution
The female staff urged donor agencies and organizational leadership to immediately settle the outstanding 90-day salary backlog. Human rights and labor monitors continue to emphasize that prompt remuneration for local aid workers—particularly women operating in provincial districts like Kunar—is essential for sustaining basic humanitarian operations.