UN urges support for Afghan women’s aid five years into Taliban rule

Five years into Taliban rule, the United Nations is sounding the alarm over the potential collapse of women's organizations in Afghanistan, warning that more than half could shut down within the next year due to critical funding issues. UN Women's special representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson, made a direct appeal to donor countries on Friday, urging them not to withdraw support for vital women's programs.

Ferguson highlighted that a survey of 74 women's organizations found that over half are likely to suspend operations or close in the coming year. This precarious situation is exacerbated by the fact that the UN's $1.7 billion humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan has only reached 25% of its funding goal. Compounding the crisis, nearly three-quarters of these organizations experienced funding cuts in 2025, and about two-thirds report having six months or less of operational funding remaining.

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More than half of women’s organisations still operating in Afghanistan could cease operations within the next year.

The UN's call for support coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power following the withdrawal of U.S. forces in August 2021. While the Taliban marks this anniversary with nationalistic displays, including white flags and murals across Kabul, public life, particularly for women and girls, remains heavily restricted. They are barred from attending celebrations like the ongoing cricket match.

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donor countries on Friday not to cut funding for women’s programmes, saying to do so would only deepen the suffering of Afghan women.

Since regaining control, the Taliban has implemented over 100 decrees that severely limit women's rights, affecting nearly every facet of their lives, including education, employment, movement, healthcare, and access to justice. Despite promises, girls remain banned from secondary schools, and women are excluded from universities. UN Women's survey also revealed a stark decline in women's well-being, with over half reporting leaving their homes only once or twice a month and seven in ten describing their mental health as bad or very bad.

In a joint statement, 56 countries, including the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, reiterated calls for the Taliban to reverse its "systematic repression of women and girls." The statement emphasized that the ongoing restrictions undermine the country's future and the well-being of its population.

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systematic repression of women and girls