Women and girls have faced increasing restrictions and violations of their rights during the Taliban’s four years in power in Afghanistan, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said on Thursday.
UNESCO said it is supporting “Tabassum,” a program that combines media-based learning with mental health and psychosocial support for women and girls, aimed at protecting their right to education, freedom of expression and access to information.
“In Afghanistan today, most women are banned from education and work, excluded from public life and confined to their homes,” said Hamida Aman, founder of Begum Radio, which runs the Tabassum program. “Our mission is to give voice to the voiceless and maintain a connection to education for girls and women.”
UNESCO partnered with Begum Radio in 2025 to support the program, building on earlier assistance that began in 2022 as part of its broader commitment to the right to education in Afghanistan.
With 2.2 million girls barred from school, UNESCO said the initiative links education, psychosocial support and media to help women and girls rebuild resilience and hope in one of the world’s most restrictive environments.
The report noted that the Taliban’s return to power forced many women journalists out of work, even though many were their family’s primary breadwinners. Women and girls across Afghanistan also face limits on the media they can access and use.
Still, UNESCO said, media remains one of the few sectors where women can work — though under severe restrictions. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the rights of Afghan women, girls and all citizens to access education, information and freedom of expression.
