Closing gender equality gaps in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

Afghanistan faces numerous challenges relating to gender equality and humanitarian crises despite collective efforts by local and international actors. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the regime has continued to implement several discriminatory policies such as the ban of girls from going to school, and women from going to work which violates the fundamental human rights of women and girls. These actions significantly hinder the progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and its targets. Beyond the gender equality concern, these restrictive policies not only erode global efforts to empower women but have significant negative implications for the health, education, inclusion, and quality of life of women and girls in Afghanistan. This article highlights the gender equality gaps affecting women and girls in Afghanistan since the reemergence of the Taliban regime in 2021. It proposes pragmatic approaches and strategies to address these gaps.