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Calls to end ban on women working continue
One year after the ban was imposed on women working in some fields in Afghanistan, the special representative of the United States and the United Nations have emphasized that the ban has jeopardized the process of providing assistance.
They have demanded the cancellation of the ban.
I’m December last year, the Ministry of Economy issued a decree prohibiting women and girls from working for non-governmental organizations.
The UN special rapporteur on human rights and the representative of the United States of America on human rights and women’s affairs for Afghanistan have once again called for the cancellation of the decree banning the work of women by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Richard Bennett, the special rapporteur for human rights of the United Nations for Afghanistan, has once again called for the lifting of the ban on women’s work in this country.
Bennett emphasized that the role of women in the vital economic situation and their contribution to the prosperity and progress of the Afghan society is essential.
Bennett wrote in a message on X: “One year ago #Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] banned women from working in NGOs. Once again I urge the lifting of the ban. Education and work are vital to a full and dignified life, women are crucial for the economy and their contributions are essential for the well-being and progress of #Afghan society.”
At the same time, Rina Amiri, the special representative of the United States of America for human rights and women’s affairs for Afghanistan, also said on the anniversary of the ban on women’s work by the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan that the ban on women’s work in non-governmental organizations and international organizations to provide humanitarian aid faces a serious threat.
Amiri wrote on X that the request to cancel this order should be strengthened.
A part of Amiri’s message states: “The Taliban’s suspension of Afghan female NGO and UN staff poses a serious threat to the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance. Even where women have negotiated the space to work, the ban leaves them vulnerable to intimidation & threats.”
She emphasized: “You should cancel the slogan of bans, let’s strengthen it among Afghans.”
This is while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced a ban on women’s work in non-governmental institutions and international organizations in December of last year.
After this decree, a large number of Afghan women stayed at home. Many international organizations, whose aid process was more dependent on women’s work, stopped or suspended their activities in Afghanistan.
Earlier, the United Nations and other international aid agencies called the decision to ban women’s work another violation of women’s fundamental rights and against the United Nations Charter and stated that the decision will seriously affect the people of Afghanistan.
Despite the repeated warnings and requests of the international community to lift the ban on women’s work and education, the Islamic Emirate has not taken any action in this regard in more than two years.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
The European Union says it is implementing hundreds of millions of euros in projects to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan and help expand economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking to Ariana News, EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the programs are aimed at creating jobs for skilled workers, women, youth, and returnees, while also strengthening the private sector. She added that alongside international support, Afghan authorities also have a role in facilitating economic growth.
According to Pohar, the EU is currently implementing projects worth €156 million focused on livelihoods, durable solutions, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment. She said an additional €40 million program specifically designed to support returnees will be launched in the near future.
She noted that the EU is gradually shifting its focus from emergency humanitarian aid toward long-term sustainable solutions, particularly for internally displaced people and returnees in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, marking World Day of Small and Medium Enterprises, said SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a critical role in employment and economic growth.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that stronger investment, innovation, and sustainable industrial development are essential to help businesses withstand economic challenges and build resilient economies.
Afghan private sector representatives and economic analysts say greater support for SMEs could help the country address economic challenges faster, increase employment, and promote sustainable long-term development.
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Afghan women’s situation highlighted at SCO Forum amid ongoing global debate
She urged member states of the SCO to show solidarity with Afghan women and not remain indifferent to their situation.
Afghanistan was at the center of discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Women’s Forum in Bishkek, where former head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Roza Otunbayeva, described the situation of women in the country as a serious human rights concern.
Speaking at the forum, Otunbayeva said restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan demonstrate how a return to conservative policies can rapidly affect women’s daily lives and opportunities.
Otunbayeva, who previously served as head of UNAMA in Afghanistan, stated: “Today in Afghanistan, girls cannot receive education beyond sixth grade. Women are prohibited from working, visiting parks and gyms, and traveling without a male companion.”
She urged member states of the SCO to show solidarity with Afghan women and not remain indifferent to their situation.
According to her, women in Afghanistan urgently need support in education, employment, and social participation, and these issues should be addressed at both regional and international levels.
Her remarks come at a time when the situation of women in Afghanistan remains a subject of ongoing international debate.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly stated that women’s rights in the country are ensured better than ever before.
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