One in three Afghan girls are unable to complete their primary education due to widespread poverty, according to a report released by the World Food Programme (WFP).
The organization also noted that it provides school snacks to encourage students to stay in class amid growing economic hardships.
“Afghan girls face a ban on secondary school education, but many drop out earlier due to poverty,” the WFP stated, highlighting the compounded impact of both financial struggles and the Taliban’s policies on female education. The Taliban has barred girls from attending school beyond grade six, exacerbating an already dire situation for young Afghan girls.
The report comes as the United Nations warns of a severe funding shortfall for its humanitarian operations in Afghanistan. International donors have raised concerns about the Taliban’s oppressive treatment of women and girls, with some warning that aid to the country could be suspended if the regime’s policies continue.
According to the WFP, more than 12 million Afghans face food insecurity, with nearly 4 million children, along with pregnant and breastfeeding women, suffering from malnutrition. The organization stressed the urgency of the crisis, stating that it requires $677 million to continue its operations over the next six months.
