UN Women pledges to stay and support Afghan women amid severe rights crackdown
UN Women has vowed to continue its efforts in Afghanistan despite the country facing one of the world's most severe crises in women’s rights. The agency reported that in 2025 alone, it helped over 350,000 women and girls access critical services such as healthcare and legal aid, while supporting nearly 200 women-led civil society organizations.
The Taliban's strict restrictions have made it extremely difficult to deliver these services, especially given that women’s programs must be run exclusively by female staff. This creates operational hurdles amid growing instability and rights violations.
Afghan women and girls remain disproportionately affected by these restrictions, severely limiting their access to justice and essential services. UN Women’s commitment to stay highlights the ongoing humanitarian challenge and the international community’s role in supporting Afghan women.
The continuation of these programs is crucial for preventing a further deterioration of women’s rights in Afghanistan, where the societal and political environment remains hostile to gender equality.
