Five years since the Taliban takeover: The state of women’s rights in Afghanistan
Five years after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the de facto authorities have issued more than 100 decrees affecting Afghan women and girls and stripping them of their rights, freedoms, and dignity.
No other country has dismantled the rights of half its population through law, policy, and practice to the same extent.
Half a decade in, the most severe women’s rights crisis in the world is being normalized.
From around the age of 13, girls are banned from school. Women are barred from most jobs, universities, and political life and, in many parts of the country, can’t walk on the streets unaccompanied by men. Many are no longer able to make decisions even within their own households.
Growing shortages of women health workers, limited access to essential medicines, and restrictions that, in some communities, prevent women from being treated by male doctors mean that many women are unable to access the health care they need.
The results are devastating. Many women are living shorter, less healthy lives. The risks of maternal death, child marriage, and violence against women are growing.
More women are reporting feeling unsafe leaving home without a male guardian. At the same time, being confined to the home – combined with the loss of education, work, community, and physical activity – has triggered a mental health crisis.
Overlapping humanitarian crises, climate shocks, and deepening poverty are also having a disproportionate impact on women and girls.
International funding cuts are worsening the already dire situation. More than half of women-led organizations in Afghanistan expect to suspend or close within the next year because of these cuts, threatening one of the last remaining lifelines for women and girls.
Despite everything, Afghan women and girls continue to show extraordinary strength and courage. But they should not have to face these challenges alone.
Five years on, the international community cannot accept this situation as normal. The world must act now – not only to meet urgent needs, but to stand with Afghan women as they fight to build a future with equal rights for all women and girls.
Listen. Fund. Share. For ALL Women and Girls in Afghanistan.
Key facts on women’s rights in Afghanistan
young women are not in education, jobs, or training
young women are not in education, jobs, or training
women and girls need humanitarian assistance this year
women and girls need humanitarian assistance this year
of women leave home only once or twice a month due to severe restrictions on their movement and access to public spaces
of women leave home only once or twice a month due to severe restrictions on their movement and access to public spaces
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Afghan women deserve a future
Despite everything, Afghan women and girls continue to show strength, resilience, and courage. But they should not have to face those challenges alone.
The world must act now – not just to meet urgent needs, but to protect a generation’s future. Silence is not an option. Solidarity is not optional.
Let’s listen. Let’s fund. Let’s fight for ALL women and girls in Afghanistan – together.
