UNICEF: Deprivation of girls from education poses a long-term threat to Afghanistan’s development
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned in a new assessment that continued restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment pose serious risks to Afghanistan’s economic and social future.
In the analysis published in Forbes magazine, UNICEF emphasized that the ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade is depriving a new generation of women of knowledge, skills and job opportunities and is gradually reducing the country’s human capacity.
The UN agency said that educational and work restrictions against women have already had a direct negative impact on the Afghan economy and have reduced the country’s gross domestic product.
UNICEF believes that reopening schools and educational centers for girls and providing employment opportunities for women can contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction in Afghanistan.
The report states that the consequences of this ban are not limited to the economy, but also affect various sectors of social life.
UNICEF has warned that the decline in women's education can further challenge the health of mothers and children and reduce families' access to health services.
UNICEF also described Afghanistan as a country that has struggled with successive crises in recent years, including drought, devastating earthquakes and the large-scale return of refugees from neighboring countries. These factors have put great pressure on limited resources and public services.
According to the organization's forecast, millions of Afghan citizens will still need humanitarian assistance in 2026, and children will be among the most vulnerable groups in society. UNICEF added that malnutrition among children remains a serious concern in the country.
The organization has once again called on the authorities to lift restrictions on girls’ education and pave the way for women’s participation in education, employment and social activities. UNICEF has warned that if the situation continues, millions of Afghan girls will be deprived of their right to education beyond primary school by 2030, an issue that could have irreparable consequences for Afghanistan’s future.
Reporter Shahbanu Noori
UNICEF: Deprivation of girls from education poses a long-term threat to Afghanistan’s development
