Research report: THE IMPACT OF Taliban’s Edicts on Women and Girls in Afghanistan

The Women and Children Research and Advocacy Network (WCRAN) has released a research report titled “The Impact of Taliban’s Edicts on Women and Girls in Afghanistan,” providing a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of Taliban restrictions and policies since their return to power in August 2021.

Drawing on a survey of 600 women across ten provinces and in-depth interviews with women leaders, politicians, and international experts, this research presents a well-documented overview of the current situation of women’s rights, education, employment, health, and social participation in Afghanistan.

The findings reveal that over 150 decrees and directives issued by the Taliban’s leadership, particularly the PVPV law enacted in 2024, have systematically curtailed the fundamental freedoms and rights of women and girls. The research highlights a sharp rise in gender-based violence, erasure of women from public life, worsening poverty and economic dependency, and widespread psychological distress among Afghanistan women.

WCRAN’s report calls for urgent and coordinated action by the international community to hold the Taliban accountable, provide practical support to women and girls, and help restore their lost rights. Alongside its thorough documentation of human rights violations, the study serves as a credible resource for policymakers, international organizations, and women’s rights advocates seeking to design evidence-based initiatives and strategies to support Afghanistan women.

Please visit the link below to access the English version of the report. WCRAN-final-research-report-english