Introduction
Afghanistan, a country steeped in history and rich in culture, has faced numerous challenges over the decades, ranging from political instability to economic turmoil. However, one of the most persistent and heartbreaking issues is the plight of Afghan women, who have borne the brunt of these challenges. Women in Afghanistan face significant barriers to employment, compounded by restrictive social norms and ongoing political instability. Despite some progress over the years, the current situation for Afghan women remains dire, particularly in the wake of the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Historical Context: A Long Struggle for Rights
The history of women’s employment in Afghanistan is a reflection of the broader socio-political changes that have occurred in the country. In the 1960s and 1970s, under the monarchy and later the communist regime, women made significant strides in education and employment. The urban areas, particularly Kabul, saw women working as teachers, doctors, and civil servants. However, the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the subsequent civil war in the 1980s and 1990s shattered these gains. The rise of the Taliban in the mid-1990s marked a dark period for Afghan women, who were barred from working outside the home and denied access to education.
The US-led invasion in 2001 brought a renewed focus on women’s rights. International aid poured into the country, and numerous programs were launched to support women’s education and employment. By the 2010s, Afghan women were again working in various sectors, including government, healthcare, education, and the private sector. However, these gains were fragile, heavily dependent on international support and the presence of foreign troops.
The Taliban’s Return: A Reversal of Progress
The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 marked a significant setback for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Almost immediately, restrictions were imposed on women, echoing the draconian measures of the 1990s. Women were barred from working in most government jobs, and those who had been working were either dismissed or faced severe restrictions. Education for girls was severely curtailed, with secondary schools and universities largely closed to female students.
Kanni Wignaraja, Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific of the UN Development Program (UNDP), highlighted the current state of affairs, noting the contradictory nature of the Taliban’s policies. “There have been a lot of restrictions on women’s work. At the same time, curiously, there have been some easing of restrictions on women working in certain fields,” she said.
Wignaraja pointed out that while women are allowed to work in trade, commerce, and the health sector, their participation in formal public service has plummeted. “Formal employment of women dropped even further, it was that dropped to 11 percent and now it’s half of that at 6 percent,” she added.
This stark decline in women’s employment opportunities has had a devastating impact on the Afghan economy. With half of the population effectively excluded from meaningful economic participation, the country’s economic recovery is severely hampered.
Economic Contraction: A Crisis of Unprecedented Proportions
The economic situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated rapidly since the Taliban’s takeover. Stephen Rodriques, UNDP Resident Representative in Afghanistan, described the country’s economic decline in stark terms. “Since 2021, since the takeover, the Afghan economy contracted by 27 percent. Now, by way of comparison, when the US had its great depression, in the 1930s, the US economy had contracted by about 29 percent over a period of four years initially. So, we’re looking at contraction at the same level as a Great Depression,” Rodriques explained.
This economic collapse has pushed millions of Afghans into poverty. Rodriques noted that “69 percent of the population are living at a subsistence level. They’re barely able to afford basic needs: utilities, food, shelter, etc.” The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is severe, with millions of people reliant on international aid to survive.
However, the international community’s focus on short-term humanitarian assistance, while necessary, is not enough to address the root causes of the crisis. Rodriques emphasized the need for sustainable economic growth, stating, “The humanitarian assistance over the last two years has been quite important to prevent people from starving. But now the Afghan economy simply has to grow. And we have to find ways to enable people to have a decent livelihood so they can have a life of dignity.”
The Impact on Women: A Double Burden
Afghan women face a double burden in this economic crisis. Not only are they disproportionately affected by the economic contraction, but they also bear the brunt of the Taliban’s gender-specific restrictions. The loss of employment opportunities has left many women unable to support their families, pushing them deeper into poverty.
The ban on girls’ education compounds this issue, as it prevents the next generation of women from gaining the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the workforce. “The biggest, biggest challenge here is the continued edict that bans girls’ education,” Wignaraja said. “So, not being able to move forward after grade six is a big, big stumbling block.”
Despite the grim situation, there are some glimmers of hope. Wignaraja noted that the Taliban have shown some willingness to allow women to work in certain fields, particularly in healthcare. “There is encouragement for women to go into nursing and midwifery and in fact, when I was there, the discussion of some medical fields,” she said. However, the fact that no girls graduated from grade 12 last year highlights the severe challenges ahead.
The Broader Impact: A Society in Crisis
The restrictions on women’s employment and education are not just a women’s issue; they are a societal issue. The exclusion of half the population from meaningful economic participation hinders the entire country’s development. The economic contraction has led to a reduction in household incomes, increased food insecurity, and a rise in child labor as families struggle to survive.
Moreover, the broader impact of these restrictions extends to the social fabric of Afghanistan. The marginalization of women has led to increased gender-based violence, as women are forced into more precarious and dependent situations. The mental health of women, already under strain from decades of conflict, is further deteriorating as they face increasing isolation and despair.
Environmental and Climate Challenges: A Compounding Factor
Adding to the socio-economic challenges is the severe impact of climate change and environmental degradation in Afghanistan. Wignaraja highlighted the “harsh impact of continuous natural disasters” and expressed concern about the “scarcity of water.” The depletion of water resources is particularly alarming, with the water table dropping dramatically across many parts of the country.
Climate change is exacerbating the vulnerabilities of Afghan women, who are often responsible for securing water and food for their families. The combination of economic hardship, social restrictions, and environmental stressors is creating a perfect storm of challenges that threaten the survival and well-being of millions of Afghan women and their families.
The Way Forward: Hope Amidst Despair
Despite the dire situation, there is hope for the future. The resilience of Afghan women, who have faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout history, is a testament to their strength and determination. However, for meaningful progress to be made, the international community must prioritize the inclusion of women in Afghanistan’s economic recovery efforts.
This includes not only providing immediate humanitarian assistance but also investing in long-term development projects that create sustainable livelihoods for women. The restoration of girls’ education is crucial, as is the removal of barriers to women’s employment in all sectors.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the future of Afghanistan depends on the full participation of its women. As Wignaraja and Rodriques have pointed out, the country’s economic recovery and social stability are inextricably linked to the empowerment of women. Without it, Afghanistan risks remaining trapped in a cycle of poverty and conflict, with devastating consequences for its people. Empowering Afghan women is not just a moral imperative—it’s the key to unlocking the nation’s potential for peace, prosperity, and progress.
