A perspective on the ongoing gender crisis in Afghanistan

by: Nadia Hashimi, Program Manager

The Taliban's recent enforcement of their 'Vice and Virtue' law has plunged Afghan women into a deepening crisis. For those of us who have lived under the Taliban's oppressive rule, the implementation of this law resurrects haunting memories of fear and restriction.

In June of this past year, in Kabul, I experienced a chilling encounter with the vice and virtue police, who were clad in white overcoats reminiscent of doctors. They scrutinized me from head to toe. My mask was missing, and my shoes didn’t cover my feet per the previous regulations. They glanced at my feet but said nothing. The fear was tangible even then, knowing that any minor infraction could lead to harsh penalties.

As I reflected on the impending impact of the new law on Afghan women and thought about how my encounter with the vice and virtue police could have escalated to severe repercussions, I found myself searching for information on the current gender crisis in Afghanistan. The facts I uncovered sadly confirmed what I already knew deep down: women’s rights in Afghanistan have all but disappeared, and the situation is growing even more dire.

Systematic gender discrimination
The Taliban’s decrees have systematically eroded women’s roles across both public and private sectors. For instance, before the Taliban’s takeover, 26% of employees in Afghanistan’s civil service were women, but this number has now decreased to effectively zero.

Restrictions on gender programs
Gender-focused initiatives have been drastically restricted, limiting access to essential services for Afghan women and girls. National and international organizations have struggled to maintain gender-related programs, further marginalizing women from critical support services.

Lack of access to education
In 2023, 80% of school-aged girls and women, representing 2.5 million people, were out of school. Over 100,000 female university students were also banned from pursuing higher education in 2022. This lack of education increases their vulnerability to forced marriages, early childbearing, and poor health (both physical and mental) outcomes.

The ripple effect of child marriage and maternal mortality in Afghanistan
In 2023, child marriage rates were alarming, with 28.7% of women aged 20-24 married before age 18 and 9.6% married before age 15. These conditions significantly impact health outcomes, including Afghanistan's maternal mortality rate. The ban on girls' education is estimated to increase the risk of maternal mortality by at least 50%.

Decline in employment participation
Since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, Afghan women have faced a sharp decline in employment opportunities. According to reports from the Afghanistan Private Sector Rapid Survey and the World Bank’s Gender Data Profile, between June 2021 and the end of 2022, women’s employment rates dropped by 25%, while men’s employment fell by just 7%. By 2023, women’s participation in the labor force had plummeted to only 4.8%, compared to 69.1% for men. This stark contrast highlights the deepening economic exclusion of Afghan women.

Impact on women-owned businesses
Women-owned businesses in Afghanistan have been disproportionately affected by the ongoing political crisis. A survey conducted by the World Bank shows that 42% of women-owned businesses were forced to temporarily close, compared to 26% of male-owned firms. Additionally, 83% of these women-owned businesses anticipated revenue losses, and 60% indicated they would require short-term financing to sustain operations. These statistics reflect the unique financial vulnerabilities women entrepreneurs face in Afghanistan​.

Why Organizations like Aman Lara Matter

The Afghanistan Gender Country Profile underscores the need for international action, including strengthening Women’s Civil Society Organisations (WCSOs), increasing funding for gender equality initiatives, and embedding human rights in all interventions.

In light of the importance of organizations in addressing these critical issues, I take immense pride in our work at Aman Lara. As a Program Manager, I see firsthand the impact of our mission to provide refuge, safety, and new beginnings for at-risk individuals. 

Since August 2021, we have worked tirelessly to evacuate vulnerable Afghans and ensure their safe resettlement in Canada and beyond. Through this work, we've significantly impacted the lives of women and girls by providing refuge, safety, and new beginnings. For instance, the Shah family's journey exemplifies this impact. Our work is a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

I encourage you to support Aman Lara and like-minded organizations in advocating for Afghan women's dignity, safety, and equality. Whether it's through donations or spreading awareness, your support can make a difference. Together, we can ensure Afghan women are not left behind.