UN Women: Taliban Restrictions Severely Limit Afghan Women's Access to Humanitarian Aid

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The United Nations Women’s Section states that more than 70% of Afghan women face serious challenges in accessing humanitarian aid.

This organization recently published a report on the status of Afghan women's access to humanitarian aid in 2024 and warned that gender inequalities, widespread Taliban restrictions, and structural barriers have intensified vulnerabilities across all areas of aid delivery.

According to the report, regulations such as the requirement of a male guardian’s accompaniment, dress restrictions, and the prohibition of women's work in non-governmental organizations and United Nations offices have severely limited women's access to essential services, including health, education, and nutrition.

UN Women added that the ban on girls' education beyond primary school has reduced future job opportunities and perpetuated the cycle of poverty.

According to this organization, while education is recognized as a vital necessity, only 43% of girls of school age are enrolled, and almost no girls between the ages of 13 to 17 attend school.

The report also shows that female-headed households are disproportionately under economic pressure and face risks due to housing and food shortages.

The UN stated that some families have been forced to take survival measures, such as skipping meals, preventing children from attending school, or resorting to early marriage.

On the other hand, the shortage of female health workers, movement restrictions, and financial issues have severely limited women's access to healthcare and worsened maternal health, fertility, and mental health conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also face the risk of malnutrition.

UN Women has warned that women and girls in Afghanistan are facing increasing threats, including gender-based violence, early marriages, and displacement, and the restrictions on their participation in social decision-making are further marginalizing their position.

This report has been published as the Taliban, after taking control of Afghanistan, have deprived women and girls of work and education. Over the past four years, this group has intensified its restrictions.