UN Reports 80% Young Afghan Women Excluded From Education, Work

Recent UN reports highlight severe gender inequality and reproductive health challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In Pakistan, only one in three women can make decisions about their reproductive health, with high adolescent birth rates and significant maternal mortality, compounded by economic and social barriers. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, nearly 80% of women under 30 are excluded from education and work under the Taliban regime, with bans on secondary and higher education for girls severely impacting their future prospects. Afghan women face the second-worst gender gap globally, with only 17% of their potential realized and no representation in national or local decision-making bodies. Despite immense restrictions, Afghan women continue to support their communities through businesses and humanitarian efforts, but systemic exclusion exacerbates poverty and instability. UN Women and other agencies emphasize the urgent need to support Afghan women and girls to advance their rights and societal contributions.