UN Women Says Situation for Afghan Women Has Worsened Amid Escalation of Tensions with Pakistan

UN Women stated that the situation for women in Afghanistan has worsened this year due to escalating conflicts with Pakistan.

The agency reported that more than 64,000 people in eastern Afghanistan have been affected by the violence, with more than half being women and girls. A large number of civilian casualties in these conflicts have been women and children. Many women have been displaced multiple times amid conflicts and earthquakes, facing challenges including lack of shelter, health services and drinking water, risks of violence and abuse during displacement, limited access to services and work, and legal concerns.

UN Women highlighted that the Taliban penal code has reduced women's legal equality and legalized some forms of domestic violence. Only 14% of women have access to basic justice services, compared to 53% of men. More than 10.7 million women and girls in the country need humanitarian assistance, with rising prices exacerbating hardships for families, especially those headed by women. Aid programs for women face a severe funding shortage of about 50%.

The agency urged the international community not to normalize the plight of Afghan women and to continue global support.

Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned education bans on women and girls, stating they are being systematically pushed out of public life. In a post on X, he praised Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai for her advocacy on their rights.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women's education, employment and public participation. Girls remain barred from secondary schools and universities, while women face limits on employment in many sectors. Rights groups have described these measures as gender apartheid. No country has formally recognized the Taliban government, with diplomats linking recognition to changes in women's rights policies.