Former U.S. President George W. Bush expressed regret over the deprivation of education and work for girls and women in Afghanistan, stating that unfortunately, they have lost the opportunity to flourish their talents. Mr. Bush made these remarks at a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at his presidential center in Dallas, saying that those women who were just beginning to discover their true abilities no longer have the chance to realize all their potential. He emphasized, "All human beings want to be free, and we saw this in Afghanistan as well." He added that some people believed that Afghan citizens do not want freedom or do not understand the difference between freedom and tyranny, but of course, they know what the difference is. Bush clarified, "Young girls who were going to school for the first time in their lives knew the difference. Women who were becoming doctors and university professors understood the distinction between a free society and a tyrannical one." Additionally, the former U.S. president spoke about the September 11 attacks, noting that just eight months into his presidency, it changed the course of his presidency and turned him into a "wartime president." He recounted that on that day, he was in a classroom in Florida, and after the second plane hit the World Trade Center, it became clear to him that this was not an ordinary crime and must be treated as an act of war. He stressed that from that moment, the government's priority became the protection of the country and preparation for military operations; a decision that led to the commencement of the U.S. and its allies' attack on Afghanistan three weeks later.

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has recently called on the interim government to immediately lift the ban imposed on Afghan women working in UN offices and to ensure safe and unhindered access for female staff to UN offices. Stefan Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated in a press release that Mr. Guterres has urged government leaders to lift all restrictions placed on women and girls. Guterres emphasized that the rights of women and girls must be supported for their full, equal, and meaningful participation in all aspects of Afghan society. The UN Secretary-General also added that the restrictions imposed on women's full participation in public life, education, and many areas of work violate their fundamental rights and pose a significant barrier to economic development, stability, and Afghanistan's reintegration into the international community. It is noteworthy that it has been a year since the ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations was enacted. Last year, on this very day, the current government prohibited all female staff from entering UN offices across the country. Antonio Guterres stated that this restriction is contrary to international laws, including the UN Charter, and undermines the organization's capacity to carry out its mission and provide life-saving assistance and other support to the people of Afghanistan at a time when needs remain high. He mentioned that unhindered access for all UN personnel to their workplaces is crucial for the mission's effectiveness and for reaching and supporting vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls, in accordance with cultural customs. Antonio Guterres stressed that ensuring that women can provide humanitarian aid and essential services to women and girls is vital for an effective and principled response. The United Nations has previously called multiple times for the lifting of the ban on Afghan women working in its offices, but the current government has not yet responded to these requests.

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has recently stated that women and girls have been banned from participating in sports activities across the country for the past five years. In his latest report, Mr. Bennett noted that Afghan women and girls have a long history of engaging in sports, but their participation has been prohibited since the takeover of the interim government. He emphasized that many female athletes have been forced to emigrate to continue their professional activities. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan added that these athletes are simultaneously striving to represent Afghanistan in international competitions and gain recognition. He pointed out that the restrictions against women and girls have impacted various aspects of their lives beyond sports. While Richard Bennett criticizes the sports restrictions against Afghan girls and women, the interim government has deprived them of education and schooling since taking control of Afghanistan. This government's actions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to access education. Additionally, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs, as well as even in UN offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

Zahra Haidari, an athlete from Afghanistan, achieved third place and won the bronze medal at the 24th National and International Taekwondo Championships held in South Korea. Reports indicate that this competition featured athletes and representatives from 12 countries around the world. Zahra Haidari secured third place in the women's individual poomsae category for adults at the National Taekwondo Championships of Kyung Min University with her performance. It is noteworthy that Haidari immigrated to South Korea three years ago after ten years of athletic activity in Iran. Alongside her work, learning Korean and English, and continuing her sports activities, Zahra Haidari has also earned a 3rd Dan black belt in taekwondo from the Korea Taekwondo Federation. After winning the bronze medal, this athlete dedicated her success to the girls of Afghanistan in a message posted on her Facebook account, stating that behind this medal lie days and nights of exhaustion and tears. The Afghan athlete expressed hope that a day will come when no girl will have to fight to pursue her dreams. While Zahra Haidari celebrates this achievement, women and girls in Afghanistan remain deprived of any form of sports.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently announced its support for the businesses of women and girls in Afghanistan, helping many of them to expand their economic activities and achieve sustainable income. In a visual report published the organization stated that women and girls, as half of Afghanistan's population, have significant potential to contribute to the country's economic progress and prosperity. The report mentions that several women and girls, with the support provided by international organizations, have been able to expand their businesses and create opportunities for sustainable income. The UNDP emphasized that women and girls working together in the private sector exchange experiences and skills, producing quality products in handicrafts and ink production. This comes at a time when, following the return of the interim government to power in Afghanistan, extensive restrictions have been imposed on women's employment and social and economic activities. Women have been banned from working in many government offices and several domestic and international organizations. It is noteworthy that under such circumstances, the private sector and small businesses remain one of the few areas where some women can still engage in economic activities. Additionally, several international organizations have been working to maintain and strengthen economic opportunities for women and girls in Afghanistan by providing training, financial support, and necessary resources.

Lawrence Sims, Ireland's representative at the United Nations Office in Geneva, states that achieving justice and holding human rights violators accountable in Afghanistan is not possible without hearing the voices of victims and collaborating with civil society and international organizations. Mr. Sims emphasized that meaningful participation of Afghan women and girls in peace processes and politics is a prerequisite for attaining sustainable peace. He expressed appreciation for the struggles of Afghan women and girls and highlighted that the activities of civil society activists assist the work and direction of the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan. He further stressed, "The heavy burden of advocacy and struggle rests on the shoulders of civil society, victims, and survivors of human rights violations, especially at a time when they feel unsupported by responsible institutions." This Irish official also underscored the necessity of finding clear and effective ways to advocate for the rights of women, girls, and other citizens of Afghanistan. He stated that there must be a platform to ensure that the voices of victims and survivors reach the greatest number of officials who have the capacity to take action and create change. This comes at a time when the interim government, after seizing control of Afghanistan, has deprived women and girls of education and schooling. Additionally, in its latest restriction, it has closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel. This action by the current government has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to pursue their education. Moreover, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even in UN offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

The United Nations Development Programme has recently announced that access to financial resources is a "major obstacle" facing businesses in Afghanistan. In a statement released the organization said that with support for a credit support scheme, it has facilitated the provision of over 23,700 loans for small and medium-sized enterprises starting from 2024. The statement noted that as a result, job opportunities have been created for more than 47,000 individuals. This program, which was launched in 2024, has mobilized over $71 million in private capital. Carolina Metzva, the UNDP coordinator in Afghanistan, stated that the organization is investing in the private sector in Afghanistan. She emphasized that the UNDP is helping to promote sustainable growth for families, particularly women in Afghanistan, by supporting the private sector. She added that for women and girls in Afghanistan, starting a business is often the last remaining option for work and income generation. The UNDP coordinator clarified that the organization supports businesses in Afghanistan by providing loans, training programs, and access to solar energy. She mentioned that the UNDP has contributed to the preservation and sustainable growth of 89,000 businesses from 2021 to this year. Ibrahim Tombi, a project manager at the UNDP, stated that this program is essentially about "risk-sharing." According to him, based on criteria set by the UN Development Fund, assurances are given to the private sector and banks to support young people who have "business plans and enthusiasm" but lack initial investment capital. Through the "credit guarantee" program, banks are encouraged to lend to businesses that have "growth potential." This comes at a time when the interim government has prohibited women from education and work in both public and private sectors following its takeover of Afghanistan.

The United Nations Women’s Section has recently announced that 7 out of every 10 women in Afghanistan are struggling with poor mental health. In a message posted on its X account, the organization called for international support for the women and girls of Afghanistan. The statement noted that years of deprivation from education, employment, and absence from public life have severely impacted the mental health of Afghan women and girls. The UN Women’s Section emphasized that restrictions have resulted in 7 out of 10 women in Afghanistan living with poor mental health. The United Nations has called for support for Afghan women and girls. The statement reads: "We must stand by them and continue to invest in the services and support they need." According to the UN report, half of the women and girls in Afghanistan only leave their homes once or twice a month due to severe restrictions on movement and access to public spaces. Furthermore, since taking control of Afghanistan, the interim government has deprived women and girls of education. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the healthcare sector across Afghanistan is facing a shortage of personnel. This action by the current government has left millions of schoolgirls unable to receive an education. Additionally, women have been banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even at UN offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this prohibition continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.