UN Women reaffirmed its commitment to Afghan women and girls on March 17, 2026, pledging to continue operations despite sweeping restrictions and ongoing instability, according to a press release by UN News. Susan Ferguson, UN Women’s country representative, made the pledge as the agency described Afghanistan as the world’s most severe women’s rights crisis. Women in Afghanistan are nearly four times less likely than men to access formal justice. Yet UN Women’s programmes remain active, reaching hundreds of thousands of people in need.
In 2025 alone, UN Women helped safeguard access to lifesaving services for more than 350,000 women and girls and supported nearly 200 women-led civil society organizations. Earlier this year, the Taliban issued Decree No. 12, which formally removes equality between men and women before the law. The decree also authorizes violence against women by allowing husbands to carry out punishments, including physical violence, in the home. Ferguson warned against “normalization,” stating that “when we start to accept this as normal, we stop believing it can change.” The agency is also calling for the ban on Afghan female UN staff and contractors accessing UN premises to be lifted.
Conflict has compounded the humanitarian situation significantly. An air strike in Kabul on Monday reportedly killed hundreds of people, and at least 64,000 people have been affected by military escalation with Pakistan, just over half of them women and girls. Conflict in the Middle East is adding further pressure, with many women forced to flee for a second or even third time in the past year. Ferguson anticipates a sharp increase in Afghans returning from Iran in the coming weeks, including women traveling alone or with children. More than 10 million women and girls are already expected to need humanitarian assistance this year.
“Despite the restrictions on women and girls and the current conflicts…no matter what, UN Women is staying and delivering in Afghanistan,” Ferguson said.
Initial assessments by the UN and partners identify shelter, healthcare, and clean water as the most urgent needs. UN Women is mobilizing resources to expand cash support for women-headed households, provide well-being kits, and help women start small businesses. Rising prices linked to regional conflict will make it even harder for families, according to Ferguson. She added, “we urgently need more funding to meet these needs at this critical moment.”
UN Women faces a 50 per cent funding gap for its work in Afghanistan in 2026, while UN operations overall face a $500 million shortfall. A deepening economic crisis and the August 2025 earthquake have already pushed humanitarian needs higher. Ferguson called on the de facto authorities to ensure that laws and policies protect the rights of women and girls in line with Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations. She urged the international community not to normalize the situation, warning that “needs will only grow” if current hostilities continue. The agency stated it will continue to find ways to operate and stand with those who need support the most.
