Human Rights Watch has warned of widespread violence, threats and gender-based harassment targeting women politicians worldwide. Physical attacks, sexual threats and online abuse are undermining women's safety and political participation. The warning comes as Afghan women remain excluded from formal political participation under Taliban rule.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says 40 women in Afghanistan's Bamyan province are receiving six months of vocational training in leather bag making and bead embroidery, supported by the European Union. The programme aims to strengthen women's skills and create opportunities for income generation.

Afghan filmmaker Aziz Deldar was seriously injured in a physical assault in Virginia on 24 October while discussing girls’ right to education, according to his wife, filmmaker Roya Sadat. She said the attackers are in custody and legal proceedings are underway, while the motive remains unconfirmed.

More than 2.85 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, according to the Global Protection Cluster. Its latest report highlights serious protection risks facing women and children, including gender-based violence, discrimination, limited access to essential services and hazardous child labour.