Afghan Women Face Severe Hardships Under Taliban Rule
Afghanistan's women face severe hardships under Taliban rule, with their exclusion from society leading to early marriages, forced marriages, and increased domestic violence. The international community is urged to support Afghan women's participation in political and economic life.
Since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, Afghan women have been systematically removed from the public sphere, losing access to education and work opportunities. This 'gender apartheid' has severe consequences, with the economic cost of denying women access to the workforce estimated at USD 1 billion a year, or about 5% of Afghanistan's GDP.
The Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan (MISFA), established in 2003, had supported women's economic participation through microfinance initiatives. However, these efforts have been halted, and Afghan women have been excluded from diplomatic discussions and international forums, leading to unbalanced national decision-making.
To combat this situation, international involvement and domestic reformation are necessary. This includes setting up functioning specialized units and independent organizations within the government structure. Hybrid learning programs could also help keep schools open, combining community study groups with online learning, possibly using initiatives like Starlink for internet access.
The Taliban's policies have led to the silencing of Afghan women, with socio-cultural, psychological, economic, and political consequences. Despite these challenges, there are small pockets of resistance offering hope and resilience, such as free online courses and covert schools. The international community should provide realistic assistance to allow Afghan women to actively participate in their country's political and economic life.
