A safe space is a formal or informal place where women and girls feel physically and emotionally safe. The term ‘safe,’ in the present context, refers to the absence of trauma, excessive stress, violence (or fear of violence), or abuse. It is a space where women and girls, being the intended beneficiaries, feel comfortable and enjoy the freedom to express themselves without the fear of judgment or harm.
In Afghanistan, women have limited space to meet, and public spaces are often inhabited largely by men. For many girls, the opportunity to move freely in the community becomes limited at the onset of puberty. Parents often keep their daughters inside the house, protected from any contact with males.