UN-Habitat: Afghan Women Still Face Severe Barriers to Healthcare and Hygiene Services
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has stated that geographical proximity to urban areas in Afghanistan does not equate to real access to basic services, and women continue to face serious obstacles in this regard.
According to the agency, women are persistently restricted in accessing health services, food security, and menstrual hygiene facilities—limitations that severely undermine their physical and mental health as well as their human dignity.
This comes as the Taliban administration, since retaking power, has imposed extensive restrictions on women’s education, employment, and social participation; issues that, according to international organizations, have further complicated their access to essential services.
Urban experts emphasize that effective access to services is not guaranteed merely by proximity to urban centers but requires equitable policymaking, investment in infrastructure, and the removal of structural barriers. Without changing these restrictive approaches, improving the situation for women remains a significant challenge.
