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The United Nations urged Taliban authorities on Sunday to lift the ban on Afghan women working in UN offices, highlighting that the restriction endangers essential lifesaving services. Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been prohibited from most employment opportunities, visiting parks and beauty salons, and attending school beyond age 12.
In September, Taliban officials started restricting female staff from entering UN facilities. Susan Ferguson, the UN Women’s agency’s special representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the importance of reversing these bans to ensure women’s safe access to offices and fieldwork. She warned that ongoing restrictions could undermine the delivery of critical services and conflict with UN principles of human rights and equality.
While the exact number of affected staff remains unlisted, UN sources estimate that several hundred women are impacted by the ban. Over the past three months, these employees have been working remotely, focusing on aid for earthquake victims and Afghan migrants deported from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. Ferguson described their work as “indispensable” and stressed that their presence is vital for reaching women and girls with culturally appropriate assistance.
The Taliban has yet to respond to the UN’s request for comment. Previously, the UN refugee agency halted cash assistance for returned Afghan migrants, citing difficulties in interviewing and collecting data on over half of the returnees, mainly women.
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