Afghanistan, Feb. 15 -- Written By: Zahra Rashidi

Poverty and unemployment have created numerous challenges in the lives of people in Afghanistan. Rahela, dealing with these difficulties, is searching for her son who disappeared after the Taliban takeover. She says, "My son had no enmity with anyone, and we don't know if he is alive or not." Rahela wanders from alley to alley, selling matches. Now she roams the streets, begging for her necessities and those of her grandchildren.

Rahela's weary eyes narrate her anticipation for the return of her lost son. This elderly mother now takes care of her three grandchildren and begs for their sake. Rahela's son, leaving her with three children, disappeared about seven months ago.

Sixty-year-old...