Afghan Women Face Mounting Exclusion, UN Agency Warns
Kabul, Afghanistan – June 17, 2025 – A stark new report released today by the United Nations highlights the severe and escalating social, economic, and political exclusion faced by women and girls across Afghanistan. The Humanitarian Aid office’s comprehensive assessment paints a deeply concerning picture of the challenges confronting half the nation’s population, underscoring the critical need for continued international attention and support.
The report details a pervasive and systematic rollback of women’s rights and freedoms since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. It outlines how deeply ingrained restrictions have systematically removed women from public life, impacting every facet of their existence.
Economically, the impact is profound. The report notes a drastic reduction in women’s participation in the workforce, with many sectors effectively closed to them. This not only exacerbates existing poverty but also deprives families of essential income and hinders the overall economic recovery of the country. Women who were previously breadwinners or contributing significantly to household economies now face immense hardship, often relying on shrinking humanitarian aid for survival.
In the realm of education, the findings are equally disheartening. While primary education for girls remains a point of contention, secondary school and university access has been severely curtailed for millions. This prolonged denial of education carries devastating long-term consequences, limiting future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. The report emphasizes the loss of potential human capital and the vital role educated women play in societal development.
Socially, the report describes an increasingly restricted public sphere for women. Restrictions on movement, dress codes, and the prohibition of attending public spaces like parks and gyms further limit their ability to interact, maintain social networks, and access essential services. These measures, the report suggests, contribute to a growing sense of isolation and disempowerment.
Politically, Afghan women have been almost entirely removed from decision-making roles at all levels of government and public administration. Their voices, crucial for building an inclusive and representative society, are effectively silenced. This exclusion undermines democratic principles and prevents the incorporation of diverse perspectives essential for effective governance and peacebuilding.
The UN Humanitarian Aid office stresses that these restrictions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of systematic exclusion. The report calls for urgent and sustained efforts to advocate for the protection and promotion of women’s rights in Afghanistan. It highlights the resilience of Afghan women who, despite immense challenges, continue to seek ways to contribute to their communities and uphold their dignity.
The international community is urged to remain engaged and to ensure that humanitarian assistance is delivered in a way that prioritizes the needs and rights of women and girls. The report concludes with a strong plea for a renewed commitment to ensuring that Afghan women can regain their rightful place in all aspects of society, contributing to a more just and prosperous future for their nation.
Afghan women face near total social, economic and political exclusion
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