UNICEF Warns Bans on Girls' Education and Women's Work in Afghanistan Cause Long-Term Harm

UNICEF has warned that ongoing bans on girls' education beyond primary school and restrictions on women's employment in Afghanistan are inflicting long-term harm on women, girls and society.

The agency stated that these policies increase protection risks, including economic dependency, reduced access to services, and exposure to exploitation and abuse. Afghanistan remains the only country barring girls and women from secondary and higher education, according to UNICEF.

A joint UNESCO-UNICEF statement from January reported that 2.2 million adolescent girls are excluded from school due to these restrictions. UNICEF highlighted consequences such as heightened risk of child marriage, reduced future earnings potential, worsening mental health, and shortages of trained female professionals in critical sectors like healthcare and education.

The restrictions are eroding individual dignity, undermining national resilience, and limiting opportunities for future generations, UNICEF said. These issues are compounding amid Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis.