UN Warns of Concerning Gender Gap in Afghanistan’s Employment
UN Women has stated that Afghanistan has one of the widest gender gaps in the labor market globally, with women’s economic participation at a worryingly low level. According to statistics from the agency, only seven percent of women in families are employed, compared to 84 percent of men.
These figures, released on Monday, March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day, highlight the deep divide between women and men in access to job opportunities and economic resources. Experts believe that such a wide disparity has direct consequences on family livelihoods and the country’s economic growth.
UN Women emphasized that normalizing this situation is unacceptable, and practical measures must be taken to improve Afghan women’s access to employment opportunities. The agency added that by creating work opportunities and removing structural barriers, change is still possible.
Over the past three years, restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration on women’s education, work, and social participation have sparked widespread domestic and international concern. Observers note that continuing these restrictions not only violates the fundamental rights of women but also poses serious challenges to the country’s economic development and social stability.
