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UN Warns of 30% Staff Cuts at Afghan Women’s Organizations Amid Funding Shortage

December 8, 2025

1 minute read

HERAT, 04 March 2017 - Young girls study graphic designing in Code to Inspire (CTI) technology center in the city of Herat, west of Afghanistan. CTI currently provides a safe educational environment for tens of female students aged 15-25. Code to Inspire is a nonprofit committed to teaching female students in Afghanistan how to code and is an after-school program founded by Fereshteh Forough, an Afghan women in January of 2015. CTI aims to hitch women's economic and social advancement on to Afghanistan's growing tech industry. Courses in coding, access to tech & professional resources, and job placement will enable CTI students to attain employment that is both financially rewarding and socially accessible. In areas where women's travel can be heavily restricted, the ability to work remotely is a key tool in the push for equality. Access to the wealth of the global tech economy enables CTI students to add unique value to their households and their communities, and to challenge the traditional gender roles in Afghanistan with the best argument out there, results. Photo UNAMA Fraidoon Poya.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) expressed concern on Monday, December 7, over the future of women-led organizations in Afghanistan, warning that a reduction in funding could result in a 30 percent cut in female staff employed by these institutions.

According to the organization, these institutions play a vital role in supporting Afghan women and girls, and any weakening of their activities poses a significant threat to the community. UN Women stated that many women’s organizations are currently facing severe funding shortages, jeopardizing the continuation of their services.

During the global 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, UN Women emphasized the importance of preserving women’s leadership and warned that if these pioneering institutions are undermined, it will be difficult to fill the resulting gap.

Reports indicate that since the Taliban took control and previous support systems collapsed, access to essential services for millions of Afghan women has been drastically restricted. Many women and girls can no longer approach supporting organizations, heightening concerns about the future of women’s rights and their overall status. The Taliban’s restrictive policies against women’s organizations have drawn sharp criticism from international bodies, which have called for increased support for Afghan women.

December 8, 2025

1 minute read