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The collapse of the education system: Nearly 80% of young women are out of school
The report shows that 78% of Afghan women aged 15 to 24 are in a "three-no" state (uneducated, unemployed and untrained), which is four times the proportion of men of the same age. As the Taliban continues to ban women from receiving secondary education and above (including medical school), it is expected that the rate of girls graduating from secondary school will soon drop to zero. UN Women has warned that this policy is destroying the development opportunities of an entire generation of Afghan women.
Job market discrimination: Women are restricted to low pay and unpaid labor
Despite facing comprehensive employment restrictions and under the pressure of the economic crisis, the number of female job seekers in Afghanistan in 2022 still increased fourfold compared to 2021. However, the female labor force participation rate (24%) is still less than one-third of that of men (89%), and most of them are concentrated in low-paying and temporary positions. The report particularly points out that 74% of Afghan women undertake heavy household chores, while the proportion of men is only 3%, highlighting severe inequality within families.
Zero political power: The complete disappearance of female representatives in the decision-making level
The report confirms that currently, there are no representative seats for women in the cabinet and local institutions in Afghanistan, which seriously weakens women's ability to participate in policy-making. Although systematically excluded from public life, Afghan women still persist in promoting inclusive governance through various channels at all levels.
The Executive Director of UN Women, Bahus, emphasized: "Afghanistan's most valuable resource is its female population." Despite the continuous suppression of their development potential, they are still fighting tenaciously. Afghan women are reshaping their communities through mutual aid networks, business operations, humanitarian aid and a voice for justice. This kind of leadership is even more precious under strict restrictions. The international community must support them in realizing the development vision shared by all.
This report, funded by the European Union, will serve as an important benchmark for monitoring the progress of gender equality in Afghanistan. UN Women said it will continue to support the development needs of women in Afghanistan through field projects and called on the world to pay more attention to and intervene in the human rights crisis in the country.
