Guterres: Systematic Exclusion of Afghan Women from Public Life Continues Rapidly

Photo by Eric Bridiers

The UN Secretary-General has warned that the systematic exclusion of women and girls from public life in Afghanistan is continuing at a rapid pace, accompanied by severe restrictions on education, employment, healthcare, and access to justice.

Antonio Guterres made these remarks on Monday (October 6) during a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on “Women, Peace, and Security,” saying:

“In Afghanistan, the systematic erasure of women and girls from public life is in overdrive, with appalling restrictions in accessing education, employment, healthcare and justice, and surges in sexual violence and maternal mortality.”

He stressed that the international community must take coordinated and urgent action to support Afghan women and girls and to end their systematic oppression.

He also referred to the situation of women in crisis-hit areas such as the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar, saying that women in these countries also face violence, displacement, and widespread discrimination.

Guterres added that currently more than 676 million women and girls live near conflict zones — the highest number in decades — and the rate of sexual violence against them has increased by 35 percent.

These remarks come as the Taliban, since returning to power, have imposed unprecedented restrictions on women and girls, depriving them of education, employment, and social participation. Human rights organizations have described these policies as a form of “gender apartheid” that has plunged the future of Afghan women and girls into darkness.