Women-Focused Organizations in Afghanistan Persevere Despite Taliban Restrictions

Despite significant budget cuts, travel restrictions, and growing security risks, women-focused organizations in Afghanistan continue their work in supporting women affected by violence.

UN Women’s office in Afghanistan stated that these organizations persist in assisting women who suffer from gender-based violence or are at risk, despite mounting challenges. These efforts come in the context of increasing restrictions imposed by the Taliban, who have severely curtailed the operational space for women’s rights organizations.

Ahead of the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” UN Women has called for greater international investment to strengthen and sustain the work of these women-led entities. The annual campaign runs from November 25 to December 10 and aims to raise awareness and mobilize global action to end violence against women.

Since taking power, the Taliban government has removed women from most social and professional arenas and imposed strict limitations on civic activities, especially those involving women. These measures have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, though little change has been seen in the group’s policies.