The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported a 40 percent increase over the past two years in the number of women and girls at heightened risk of violence in the country, with 14.2 million now in need of protection and assistance.
“As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against gender‑based violence, we call for renewed solidarity with Afghan women and increased investment in concrete support,” said Georgette Gagnon, UNAMA’s acting head.
Afghan women are facing what UNAMA described as “an unprecedented spectrum of violence” — from restrictions on rights and mobility to the daily threats of physical, psychological and economic harm. The mission said this comes at a time when aid cuts have forced reductions in services like protection, mental health care, safe housing, legal counselling, and economic empowerment programmes.
“Violence for Afghan women is not only what is seen or heard, but also the silencing of their voices, the doors closed on their futures, and their rights taken away,” Gagnon said.
UN Women’s special representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson, warned that reduced funding for women‑led organizations, combined with tighter restrictions and increased surveillance, has dramatically limited their ability to help those most at risk.
This year, women‑led groups in Afghanistan lost about one‑fifth of their budgets and reported taking on fewer projects. With digital access increasingly vital for safety and economic survival, the recent 48‑hour internet blackout highlighted how crucial connectivity is for many women, UNAMA said.
During the 16 Days of Activism campaign, UNAMA called on the international community to renew global solidarity with Afghan women and girls and support their human rights; increase flexible funding for prevention and response to gender‑based violence; back women‑led organizations as indispensable service partners; recognise digital access as critical for protection and invest in inclusive, safe online spaces for women and girls; and promote community‑driven solutions with men as allies and local leaders working to prevent and respond to violence.
The theme for this year’s campaign in Afghanistan is “Still Together: Stand with Afghan Women.”
