On the Eve of Five Years of Taliban Rule, Afghanistan Ranks Worst for Women
A new report by Georgetown University’s Women, Peace and Security Institute reveals that Afghanistan ranks the worst among 181 countries worldwide in terms of women’s conditions. This finding follows a series of United Nations reports highlighting the escalating restrictions on women and girls in the country.
Over the past five years, the United Nations and international organizations have repeatedly cited reduced foreign aid, a dire economic situation, and sporadic attacks by opposition groups as ongoing crises in Afghanistan. Widespread restrictions on women’s education, work, and social presence have been prominently noted in these reports.
Under such circumstances, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration, stated that the government faced economic challenges, diplomatic obstacles, and the massive return of refugees in its initial years. However, he claims that “comprehensive security” has been established in the country and a system based on “Islamic Sharia” has been implemented. He described the Taliban’s five-year performance as having a “positive trajectory.”
Mujahid also asserted that Kabul has managed its relations with some countries “favorably” and is striving to expand diplomatic engagements. Nevertheless, nearly five years after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Russia remains the only country to have officially recognized the regime. The international community continues to emphasize respect for human rights, forming an inclusive government, and combating terrorism.
The Taliban administration is calling for Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations, the lifting of sanctions, and the release of frozen assets. However, according to international organizations, ongoing human rights restrictions—particularly those targeting women—remain major barriers to normalizing relations with the world.
