Taliban Restrictions on Women and Girls: Five-Year Impact

Five years after the Taliban seized Kabul in August 2021, their strict interpretation of Sharia bars girls from secondary and higher education, prohibits most women from working, and limits women’s access to health services. The policies affect daily life, health outcomes, and the economy while undermining the Taliban’s bid for international legitimacy.

Karzai Says Restrictions on Women Hinder Taliban’s International Legitimacy

When the Taliban returned to power, they promised “more freedoms and rights” than under the previous regime. Instead, they issued over 260 edicts, more than 165 targeting women and girls, restricting education beyond grade six, banning most employment, and forbidding male doctors from treating female patients in several provinces. A new “Police Law” published on August 22 bans public demonstrations and expands police powers to suppress dissent.

Taliban Ban All Demonstrations Across Afghanistan Under New Police Law – KabulNow

• WHO reports a maternal-mortality ratio of about 521 deaths per 100,000 live births.

As Taliban Rule Enters Sixth Year, Afghan Women's Healthcare Is Being Dismantled

• UNICEF estimates the economic cost of denying girls education and women work at at least $84 million annually, roughly 0.5 % of Afghanistan’s GDP.

Taliban’s Ban on Women Costs Afghanistan’s Economy Millions a Year

• ILO data show women’s labour-force participation fell from 18.3 % in 2019 to 5.1 % in 2026.

Taliban’s Ban on Women Costs Afghanistan’s Economy Millions a Year

• UNICEF projects a loss of up to 5,400 female health workers by 2030, contributing to a national shortfall of 115,000 health workers needed to meet WHO targets.

As Taliban Rule Enters Sixth Year, Afghan Women's Healthcare Is Being Dismantled

The removal of women from the health workforce has crippled maternal care. Female patients often cannot discuss sensitive issues with male doctors, leading many to avoid care altogether. Women now make up only 18 % of specialised physicians and 29 % of nurses, threatening gains in antenatal coverage (up to 76 %) and skilled birth attendance (up to 67 %).

As Taliban Rule Enters Sixth Year, Afghan Women's Healthcare Is Being Dismantled

Economically, the exclusion of half the population from education and work has reduced family incomes and stalled sectors such as health, public services, trade, and small-business enterprises. Experts cited by the Hasht-e-Subh Daily warn that continued deprivation will create a long-term shortage of skilled female professionals, undermining Afghanistan’s development prospects.

Taliban’s Ban on Women Costs Afghanistan’s Economy Millions a Year

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid (real name Tahir Shah Seddiqi) says the government will allow women to work and study “within our frameworks” and that all policies must be viewed through a “Sharia lens.” He added that allowing women to work in offices “would lead to immoralities” and undermine their dignity.

Five Years of Taliban Rule: What Will the OIC Do for Women in Afghanistan?

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced the release of two detained UN staff members, stating they were in good health and faced no further legal issues, but offered no explanation for their earlier detention.

The Independent

• “Ask yourself: 'Who would marry me after I get my divorce?'” — Abdullah Sarhadi, governor

BBC News

• “I'm speechless about how a group that has no understanding about life is suddenly in power,” — Hoda

BBC News

The police law enacted on August 22 gives the Taliban legal authority to prohibit all demonstrations, further limiting public avenues for women and civil-society groups to voice opposition. International donors and regional partners continue to press the Taliban to reverse gender-based restrictions, but no concrete policy shift has been announced.

Taliban Ban All Demonstrations Across Afghanistan Under New Police Law – KabulNow