Four Years of Taliban Rule: The Erosion of Women's Rights in Afghanistan

Four years after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on the rights of women and girls, marking a significant regression in gender equality. Since the Taliban regained control on August 15, 2021, they have enacted nearly 100 decrees that curtail freedoms related to education, employment, and public participation for women, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and economic decline.

Borgen ProjectIBAHRI highlights gender apartheid regime in Afghanistan after four years under TalibanUN: 90 Percent of Afghanistan’s People Support Girls’ Right to EducationPBS News HourFour Years After U.S. Exit, Afghanistan Denies Religious Freedom to Its People

The Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan, termed "The Fall of Kabul," occurred within ten days, catching both American intelligence and the Taliban off guard. This transition marked the end of two decades of U.S.-backed governance, during which Afghan women experienced unprecedented rights and freedoms. The Taliban's return has resulted in a theocratic regime characterized by systemic oppression, particularly against women.

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Several organizations are actively working to restore women's rights in Afghanistan. The Malala Fund provides digital learning programs for over two million girls, while Women for Afghan Women (WAW) offers mental health support and safe shelters for women in need. Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation focuses on expanding female educational enrollment and providing essential health products.

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The Taliban's policies have led to a dramatic decline in women's workforce participation, plummeting from 17% in 2021 to just 5.1% in 2024. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) estimates that this exclusion could result in annual economic losses of $1 billion. The overall GDP of Afghanistan has contracted by 27% from 2021 to 2023, with the ban on female education further exacerbating economic challenges.

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International bodies, including the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), have condemned the Taliban's actions as a form of gender apartheid. Countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands are considering legal actions against Afghanistan for violations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). IBAHRI has called for the recognition of gender apartheid as a crime under international law.

IBAHRI highlights gender apartheid regime in Afghanistan after four years under TalibanBorgen ProjectFour Years After U.S. Exit, Afghanistan Denies Religious Freedom to Its PeoplePBS News HourUN: 90 Percent of Afghanistan’s People Support Girls’ Right to Education

The United Nations has highlighted that over 90% of Afghans support girls' right to education, despite the Taliban's bans. Sofia Calltorp, head of the UN’s humanitarian action for women, emphasized the need for increased investment in mental health and healthcare services for Afghan women. Meanwhile, the U.S. has faced criticism for terminating Temporary Protected Status for Afghan refugees, potentially exposing them to Taliban reprisals.

UN: 90 Percent of Afghanistan’s People Support Girls’ Right to Education

Reports on the extent of human rights violations in Afghanistan vary, with some sources indicating a rise in femicide and forced marriages since the Taliban's return. The Taliban's restrictions on freedom of movement and public participation have led to a lack of reliable data, complicating efforts to assess the full scope of the crisis.

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• “IBAHRI Co-Chair Hina Jilani commented: ‘Since the Taliban’s return, women have endured extreme oppression with impunity.” — Hina Jilani, IBAHRI Co-Chair

IBAHRI highlights gender apartheid regime in Afghanistan after four years under Taliban

• “despite the bans, the people of Afghanistan want their daughters to continue their education.” — Sofia Calltorp, UN Humanitarian Action for Women

UN: 90 Percent of Afghanistan’s People Support Girls’ Right to Education

• “IBAHRI Co-Chair, Mark Stephens CBE, stated: ‘The forced return of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan is alarming, particularly regarding women and children.” — Mark Stephens CBE, IBAHRI Co-Chair

IBAHRI highlights gender apartheid regime in Afghanistan after four years under Taliban

The international community continues to explore avenues for accountability and support for Afghan women. Ongoing discussions about legal actions against the Taliban and the establishment of accountability mechanisms aim to address the systematic repression faced by women in Afghanistan.

IBAHRI highlights gender apartheid regime in Afghanistan after four years under Taliban