Afghanistan: UN Warns Rapid Urbanization Is Deepening Gender Inequality in Afghanistan

(Deadline: 2026-03-09) Hasht e Subh
Hasht e Subh
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The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced that the rapid pace of urbanization in Afghanistan, driven by internal displacement, forced returns, and economic crisis, is intensifying gender inequalities in informal urban and peri-urban settlements across the country.

In a report published on Monday, March 8, the organization stated that data gathered from community surveys in densely populated areas with marginalized populations shows that the urban environment is not reducing gender gaps but rather widening them.

According to the report, since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, nearly all traditional pathways for ensuring the security, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls have been eliminated.

The United Nations noted that Taliban regulations have restricted formal education, freedom of movement in public spaces, employment, public participation, and leadership roles for women in Afghanistan.