The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has recently stated that Afghanistan’s education system is facing enormous challenges, but the opportunity for rebuilding still remains. In a message posted on its X account today (Saturday, October 11), UNICEF wrote that lifting the ban on secondary education for girls and investing in primary education are essential to protect progress and to keep education accessible for every girl and boy. It is worth noting that after returning to power, the interim government deprived women and girls of education and work. The current administration has even banned medical education for women and girls, despite the country’s severe shortage of female doctors. Additionally, women have been prohibited from going to gyms, restaurants, and public baths; being examined by male doctors; traveling without a male guardian; and working in national and international NGOs, as well as in United Nations offices in Afghanistan. According to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), 1.4 million girls above grade six are currently barred from attending school in Afghanistan. Over the past four years, both the international community and Afghan citizens have repeatedly urged the current government to allow girls and women access to education, but these calls have so far been ignored. It should be noted that a United Nations survey shows that 92 percent of Afghan citizens believe that girls should be allowed to study.

The World Bank has recently stated that no region in the world would benefit as much from removing barriers to women’s participation as the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. According to the Bank, enabling women to engage fully in the workforce could pave the way for sustainable growth and economic justice across the region. In its newly released report, the World Bank noted that the economic outlook for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan is improving in 2025. The report projects that the region’s economic growth will reach 2.8% in 2025 and 3.3% in 2026. However, the Bank warned that global instability, ongoing conflicts, shifts in trade policies, and rising displacement could threaten this economic recovery. The report highlights that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will benefit from the gradual end of voluntary oil production cuts and the expansion of non-oil industries. Meanwhile, oil-importing countries are expected to experience economic recovery driven by increased private investment, public spending, and revitalized agricultural and tourism sectors. Titled “Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth,” the report underscores the crucial role of women’s participation in the region’s economic development. According to World Bank findings, only about 20% of women in the region are part of the labor force — the lowest female participation rate in the world. Ousmane Dioune, the World Bank Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, stated: “I’m calling for bold actions, not incremental steps. To fully unlock women’s potential in the region, the barriers to their participation must be comprehensively addressed. A dynamic private sector that creates jobs and reshapes aspirations is the key to real progress.” Roberta Gatti, the World Bank’s Chief Economist for the region, also emphasized: “Increasing women’s labor force participation could lead to significant economic gains. Removing obstacles that prevent women from working could raise per capita GDP in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Pakistan by 20 to 30 percent.”

The United Nations Women’s Section, on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, has stated that “education is not a crime” and that 92% of Afghans consider girls’ education important. The organization wrote on its X account today (Monday, 14th of Mizan) that this figure was obtained through a survey involving 2,000 Afghan citizens. UN Women further emphasized: “When girls are educated, they unlock the power to shape a better future for everyone.” The agency had previously reported that over 80% of girls and women in Afghanistan have been deprived of access to education and employment. Similarly, UNAMA (the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) and the European Union also highlighted the importance of girls’ education yesterday in connection with World Teachers’ Day. UNAMA stated that education is vital and essential for building a peaceful, stable, self-reliant, resilient, and prosperous Afghanistan. However, since the Taliban’s return to power, the celebration of World Teachers’ Day in Afghanistan has been banned. Most recently, the Herat Department of Education has instructed both public and private schools in the province not to celebrate Teachers’ Day. It is worth noting that October 5 is designated as World Teachers’ Day and is celebrated globally.

On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed hope that equal and broad educational opportunities will be provided for all boys and girls in the country. In a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account today (Sunday, October 5), Karzai congratulated all teachers—especially female teachers—on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day and appreciated their dedication to Afghanistan’s education sector. He emphasized: “It is evident that teachers in Afghanistan, despite exhaustion, difficulties, economic pressures, and limited resources, continue to strive for the education and upbringing of the country’s children, performing their duties with full commitment and sincerity.” Karzai further wrote: “I especially value the contributions of female teachers who serve for a prosperous Afghanistan. It is through their dedication and hard work that the children of our beloved country attain higher levels of education and become capable of serving themselves, their families, and their society.” The former president expressed hope that equal and widespread educational opportunities would soon be available for all Afghan boys and girls, enabling them to achieve their dreams and lead the country toward prosperity and development. Meanwhile, the European Union office in Kabul also posted a message on its X account, stating that education for all is the key to a resilient and self-reliant Afghanistan that strengthens economic growth. The EU delegation praised the tireless efforts of all Afghan teachers, particularly female teachers. It is worth noting that October 5 is officially recognized as World Teachers’ Day and is celebrated globally. However, the interim government has reportedly instructed that this day not be observed in Afghanistan.

The UN Women has recently announced that it urgently needs 2.5 million USD to expand its emergency response programs for women and girls affected by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. In a newly released report, the organization stated that the funding would support a 6- to 12-month project aimed at increasing women’s participation in the response process and improving their access to essential services. The report added: “While the main shocks of the earthquake may have ended, women affected by it will face a prolonged disaster without immediate assistance.” According to the report, the humanitarian assistance plan is being implemented in collaboration with women’s organizations and forms part of the broader Earthquake Response Plan managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). UN Women further emphasized that as winter approaches, many women and girls still suffer from a lack of shelter, proper clothing, and basic services. The report also noted that since the first earthquake on August 31 in eastern Afghanistan, women have been included in joint assessment teams to identify their urgent needs—such as shelter, clothing, food, cash, health and protection services, including mental health and psychosocial counseling. UN Women warned that many women are still unable to access assistance, as traditional social norms restrict their mobility and access to aid. It added that, in addition to other challenges, the shortage of female aid workers remains one of the major obstacles. It is worth noting that one month ago, an earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing over 2,200 people, injuring 3,640 others, and leaving thousands of families homeless. According to global organizations, women and children suffered the greatest losses in this tragedy. However, according to OCHA, the official figures confirm 1,992 deaths and over 3,600 injuries. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also stated that the assistance received so far amounts to only 23.7 million USD, which is about 115 million USD short of the actual need.

Organizers of the 33rd Badam Bagh Exhibition in Kabul say that businesswomen are actively participating by showcasing handmade and household products in 56 stalls, attracting considerable attention from visitors. They added that the exhibition, with 263 stalls, has displayed agricultural products, dairy, and handicrafts for four days and has been widely welcomed by visitors, especially women. The Ministry of Agriculture of the caretaker government, in a statement, also invited citizens to visit the exhibition in support of domestic products. The statement noted that the 33rd Exhibition of Agricultural and Livestock Products of the country was held this year under the slogan: “Investing in Afghanistan’s Livestock Sector; The Most Reliable Path Toward Growth and Development of the Country’s Economy” from the 9th to the 12th of Mizan 1404 (September–October 2025) in Kabul’s Badam Bagh. Roya, a stallholder, told TOLOnews: “We participated from Herat province, and I am very happy that we got the opportunity to join the exhibition and gain new ideas from it. Many women also have stalls in this exhibition.” Wahida, another stallholder, emphasized: “Both women and men visitors come and visit our stalls. Our handicrafts section includes carpets, prayer rugs, and traditional pillows—all of which are handmade.” Meanwhile, visitors to the Badam Bagh Exhibition in Kabul say this event is truly a good opportunity for families, and prices are cheaper compared to the market, with product quality being excellent. However, participating women expressed dissatisfaction over the shrinking sales market, rising prices of raw materials, and lack of access to support programs. Some artisans cited the import of similar goods, travel visa restrictions, and challenges in accessing raw materials as key problems in their work. They added that foreign imported goods still dominate the domestic market. This comes as women are showcasing their artistic achievements while the government has imposed severe restrictions on girls and women over the past four years. At present, girls and women are barred from attending schools and universities. This policy has deprived millions of schoolgirls of education. In addition, women are banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in national and international NGOs and even UN offices in Afghanistan.

Al Jazeera has recently reported that following the deadly earthquake in Kunar province, the restrictions imposed by the interim government on the work of women and girls have hindered access to aid for victims, especially women and girls. According to the report, the shortage of female staff in the affected areas has made it difficult to provide assistance to women and girls. The report states that 90 percent of health workers in these areas are men, while only a small number of women (midwives and nurses) are present to treat severely injured patients, and they lack sufficient training. It further adds that the absence of female doctors has worsened the situation for pregnant women and injured female victims. Al Jazeera emphasized that the lack of separate toilets and unsanitary conditions in displacement camps have created new challenges for women and girls affected by the earthquake. International organizations have called for lifting restrictions on women’s work, warning that without the active participation of female aid workers, many affected women and girls will be deprived of life-saving assistance. It is reported that the earthquake on August 31 in eastern Afghanistan left more than 2,200 people dead and 3,600 injured. However, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 1,992 people lost their lives and more than 3,600 were injured in the earthquake. OCHA has also announced that the aid received so far amounts to only 23.7 million dollars, which is about 115 million dollars less than the actual needs.

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, has recently stated that depriving women and girls of education is an act of extremism, and with a focus only on religious/jihadi education, the future of Afghanistan’s young generation will be destroyed. Mr. Bennett made these remarks on Friday (September 25) on the sidelines of a UN meeting, saying that documented reports from Afghanistan are vital for directing global discussions toward effective international action. He further emphasized that creating more platforms for hearing the views of Afghan citizens, especially Islamic scholars and experts, is important and must be taken seriously. The UN Special Rapporteur also pointed out the suppression of civil society and silencing of dissenting voices, adding that despite threats, intimidation, and acts of retaliation, the actions of this group have not gone unnoticed by the international community and remain under scrutiny. Bennett’s criticism of the situation of women and girls comes as the current government, since taking control of Afghanistan, has deprived them of education. In its latest restriction, the government closed the doors of medical institutes to female students, despite the fact that Afghanistan’s health sector is facing a shortage of personnel. This move has left millions of school-aged girls deprived of education. In addition, women have been banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in national and international NGOs as well as in UN offices in Afghanistan.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has recently announced that the Afghanistan women’s refugee football team will take the field for the first time in an international tournament in the United Arab Emirates. According to FIFA’s statement, the team will participate in a four-team friendly competition in Dubai, held under the title “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series” from October 23 to 29. The announcement stated that the Afghan women’s refugee team is scheduled to play against the national women’s teams of the UAE, Chad, and Libya. It should be noted that after 2021, when the caretaker government banned women’s sports, many female players were forced to flee the country to save their lives. Most members of Afghanistan’s national women’s team now live in Australia and other countries. In recent years, FIFA has organized several talent-scouting camps in different countries, which led to the formation of a 23-player squad for the Afghan women’s refugee team. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized: “Ensuring access to football for all women is one of FIFA’s priorities and an essential part of the future of this sport. These games are not just competitions; they represent symbols of hope and progress for women around the world.” FIFA further added that all matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on the organization’s online platform. It is worth mentioning that while men’s football in Afghanistan continues as usual, this tournament marks the first official return of Afghan women to the football field.