UNAMA Urges Taliban to Restore Women’s Participation in Society

Image: UN Photo/Christophe Verhellen

Marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace, and Security,” the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called on the Taliban to ensure the full participation of women in Afghanistan’s public, political, and economic life and to uphold the country’s international commitments regarding women’s rights.

In a statement released on Thursday (October 30), Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, said: “In Afghanistan, the principles of Resolution 1325 matter now more than ever. Afghan women have consistently demonstrated remarkable courage, leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity.”

She added that despite being stripped of their fundamental rights, millions of Afghan women continue to support their families, educate children, and contribute to their communities, keeping hope for a better future alive.

UNAMA stressed that the meaningful participation of women in all areas of life, particularly in political and social decision-making, is essential for Afghanistan’s stability and legitimacy. The mission urged the Taliban to adhere to Afghanistan’s international obligations and allow women to once again play an active role in society.

Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls above the sixth grade are banned from education, and women are prohibited from working, travelling, and participating in most public and political spheres under Taliban rule.