Depression among women rising in Afghanistan: UN report

Depression among women has increased in Afghanistan, the United Nations said in a report released Tuesday.

UN Women, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) conducted quarterly consultations reaching 592 Afghan women across 22 of 34 provinces in July.

Sixty-nine per cent of the women consulted reported that feelings of anxiety, isolation, and depression have significantly worsened between April-June, a higher level compared to date gathered from January-March 2023.

About 46% of the respondents said the UN should not recognize the IEA as the government of Afghanistan “under any circumstances.”

Half of the survey respondents said that any recognition of the IEA should hinge on tangible improvements in women’s rights, including their rights to education and work.

“They [survey responders] expressed concern that recognition would only encourage the de facto authorities to continue becoming stricter in their policies and practices against women and girls,” the report said.

Many countries have demanded that the IEA must change its policies on women, form an inclusive government, and respect human rights.

However, IEA officials contend that the Islamic Emirate is inclusive and respects human rights, albeit within the framework of Islamic Sharia law.

The UN survey has also revealed remarkable setbacks in women’s health, income and social influence under the IEA rule.

“Women consulted frequently describe their lives as that of prisoners living in darkness, confined to the home without hope of a future,” the report stated.

Most of the women surveyed, 80%, reported a drop in their ability to undertake income-generating activities.