FAO Urges Creation of Safe Digital Spaces for Afghan Women

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Afghanistan has called the lack of safe digital spaces a major obstacle to women’s participation and involvement in the agricultural sector. According to the organization, digital harassment and violence have prevented many Afghan women from taking advantage of educational, market, and economic opportunities.

In a statement published on its official media page, FAO said that creating secure online environments is a prerequisite for strengthening family livelihoods and ensuring effective participation of women in the development of Afghanistan’s agriculture and economy. The organization stated that digital security allows women to expand their knowledge and to work in agriculture and commerce with greater confidence.

FAO emphasized that women’s presence in the agricultural sector is essential for establishing a sustainable and resilient food system. This comes amid sweeping restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration on the social and economic lives of women, significantly limiting their access to education tools and online spaces more than ever before.

Agricultural experts warn that without serious support from the Taliban administration and with the continued suppression of women’s presence in public spheres, the risk of widespread setbacks in the country’s food sector will increase.