UN Women is committed to maintaining its operations in Afghanistan, a nation grappling with what it terms the world’s most severe crisis for women’s rights. In this challenging environment, women are significantly less likely than men to access formal justice systems. Despite these obstacles, the agency continues to implement programs that benefit hundreds of thousands of individuals.
“Despite the restrictions on women and girls and the current conflicts…no matter what, UN Women is staying and delivering in Afghanistan,” stated Susan Ferguson. In 2025 alone, UN Women provided crucial support for access to essential services for over 350,000 women and girls and bolstered nearly 200 women-led civil society organizations.
However, UN Women’s operations are hampered by substantial constraints. Given that services for women in Afghanistan must be delivered by women, the agency is urgently requesting the lifting of the ban preventing Afghan female UN staff and contractors from accessing UN premises.
“We continue to find ways to operate,” Ms. Ferguson remarked, “and stand with those who need support the most.”
Oppression Intensifying
Ms. Ferguson highlighted the profound impact of Decree No. 12, introduced by the Taliban earlier this year. This decree effectively eliminates legal equality between men and women and permits domestic violence by allowing husbands to administer punishments, including physical abuse, within the home.
“We call on the de facto authorities to ensure that laws and policies protect the rights of women and girls in line with Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations”, the UN Women country representative stated.
Ms. Ferguson cautioned the international community against the “normalization” of the situation. “When we start to accept this as normal, we stop believing it can change…change is still possible, but only if the world continues to stand with Afghan women.”
Heavy Toll of Conflict
Following an airstrike in Kabul that reportedly caused numerous casualties, Ms. Ferguson noted that among the 289 verified civilian deaths or injuries prior to this attack during hostilities with Pakistan, a significant number were women and children who are bearing a substantial burden from the ongoing violence.
At least 64,000 people have been affected by the military escalation with Pakistan, with women and girls constituting just over half of this number.
Amidst persistent hostilities with Pakistan and conflict in the Middle East, many women are facing displacement for the second or even third time within the past year.
She anticipates a sharp increase in Afghans returning from Iran in the coming weeks, including women traveling alone or with children.
With over 10 million women and girls already projected to require humanitarian assistance this year, exacerbated by a deepening economic crisis and the aftermath of the August 2025 earthquake, rising prices linked to regional conflict will further strain family resources.
Urgent Shelter Needs
Initial assessments by the UN and its partners indicate that the most pressing needs for women include shelter, healthcare, and access to clean water.
UN Women is actively mobilizing resources to enhance cash support for female-headed households, distribute well-being kits, and assist them in establishing small businesses.
Despite these crucial initiatives, UN Women faces a significant 50 percent funding gap for its operations in Afghanistan in 2026. Overall UN operations in the country are confronting a $500 million shortfall.
Appealing to the international community, Ms. Ferguson emphasized, “we urgently need more funding to meet these needs at this critical moment… If the current hostilities continue, needs will only grow.”
