The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that economic insecurity for women and girls in Afghanistan is significantly increasing, with women’s economic participation sharply declining to only 7% of Afghan women being employed.
In a published report, the organization stated that only 56% of households in 2024 described their living environment as “safe” for women and girls, compared to 72% in 2022.
The report indicates that this 16% decrease reflects a significant decline in the sense of security for women in domestic settings.
Additionally, the report highlights that “women’s economic participation is severely low,” with only 7% of women in Afghanistan participating in the labor market compared to 84% of men.
The stark disparity illustrates the severe structural and social limitations on women’s employment.
The UNDP has reported an increase in economic insecurity nationwide, with available data showing that 75% of households are struggling with economic insecurity, a 6% increase from the previous year.
The agency emphasized that rising living costs, decreasing incomes, and especially the cessation of humanitarian aid have had severe impacts on vulnerable households, particularly those headed by women.
According to the report, 90% of all families and 97% of families led by women have been exposed to economic shocks.
It should be noted that Afghanistan ranks at the bottom of the global index for women, peace, and security.
International organizations have repeatedly warned that ongoing extensive restrictions on education, employment, and fundamental freedoms for women not only exacerbate gender inequality but also jeopardize the health, welfare, and social stability of the country.
Moreover, it has been over 1,300 days since girls above the sixth grade have been deprived of schooling. The current government has also barred girls from attending university and receiving medical training.
This government action has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being left without education.
In addition, women have been prohibited 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 at UN offices in Afghanistan.
