8am: Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, girls and women in the country, particularly in Badakhshan province, are experiencing the harsh reality of not being able to attend school or university and the violence perpetrated by the group. These factors have led to an increase in forced marriages and mental health issues among girls and women. Several girls in Badakhshan report that their economic problems are worsening daily. According to them, many families in the province are compelled to accept forced marriages for their daughters due to financial hardships. Click here to read more (external link).