More than half of the women’s organizations still operating in Afghanistan could be forced to suspend operations or close within the next year, according to UN Women. Five years after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, funding shortages threaten the survival of vital humanitarian and advocacy programs supporting Afghan women.
Funding Shortfalls Threaten Surviving Women’s Organizations
Funding issues are heavily impacting non-governmental groups across the country. According to UN Women special representative in Afghanistan Susan Ferguson, a survey conducted in April found that more than half of the 74 women’s organizations still active are likely to suspend operations or shut down entirely within the coming year. Ferguson noted that nearly three-quarters of these groups experienced budget cuts throughout 2025.
Compounding the crisis, about two-thirds of the surveyed organizations reported having six months or less of operational funding remaining. The broader United Nations humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan, valued at $1.7 billion, sits at only 25 percent funded, leaving grassroots support structures severely cash-strapped.
Deepening Restrictions and Isolation Under Taliban Rule
The financial squeeze on aid groups arrives against a backdrop of sweeping restrictions on daily life. Ferguson stated that the Taliban has issued more than 100 decrees restricting women’s rights since returning to power, affecting education, employment, freedom of movement, healthcare, and access to justice. Girls remain barred from secondary schools and women are banned from universities, despite repeated Taliban promises to find an ideologically compliant alternative.
This isolation takes a severe psychological toll. According to UN Women survey data covering 3,200 women, more than half now leave their homes only once or twice a month. Furthermore, seven in 10 women describe their mental health as bad or very bad.
Did you know?
According to UN Women, Afghanistan is facing the world’s most severe women’s rights crisis, driven by an ever-expanding web of discriminatory decrees that restrict nearly every aspect of daily life.
Global Diplomatic Push and Regional Divisions
International pressure on the authorities continues alongside humanitarian warnings. A group of 56 countries—including Britain, France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates—issued a joint statement at the United Nations coordinated by Denmark, renewing calls on the Taliban to reverse restrictions. The coalition stated that the systematic repression of women and girls has become a defining feature of the current system.
However, divisions remain visible among member states regarding how to engage with the administration. Notable absences from the joint statement announced by Denmark included Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, and the five Central Asian states. Turkey and most Middle Eastern nations also did not sign, though Russia stands as the sole country worldwide to formally recognize Taliban rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Afghan women’s organizations facing closure?
More than half of surviving organizations could close within a year because the UN’s $1.7 billion humanitarian appeal is only 25 percent funded, and nearly three-quarters of surveyed groups suffered budget cuts.
What restrictions are currently placed on Afghan women?
The Taliban has issued more than 100 decrees blocking women from secondary and higher education, restricting employment, limiting freedom of movement, and restricting access to healthcare and justice.
How is the international community responding to the crisis?
A coalition of 56 countries issued a joint UN statement demanding the reversal of restrictions on women and girls, while UN agencies urge donors to increase foreign aid rather than cut funding.
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