Afghan women are facing serious employment restrictions under Taliban rule, with many forced to work under strict conditions due to economic pressures. The World Bank reports that female labor force participation in Afghanistan dropped to just 4.8% in 2023.
Ferozan Ahmadzai, one of 200,000 Afghan women not permitted to work by the Taliban, now makes pickles in a shop instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.
The United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports that women's rights in Afghanistan have been suppressed for three years under Taliban rule. Government-employed women face severely reduced wages, with many already barred from work.
According to a UN report, Afghanistan has become the world's most oppressive country for women and girls. Women report challenges in obtaining work permits, fair compensation, and dealing with outdated equipment.
The situation has also led to mental and physical health challenges for Afghan women, compounding the difficulties they face in the workforce.
