Gender inequality as a determinant of maternal health in Afghanistan

Title: Gender Inequality as a Determinant of Maternal Health in AfghanistanAuthor: Najibullah Zakhilwal Description:This article examines gender inequality as a fundamental social determinant shaping maternal health outcomes in Afghanistan. Drawing on global health literature, policy analysis, and empirical evidence, it demonstrates how structural gender discrimination influences women’s access to education, healthcare, economic resources, and decision-making power, thereby contributing to persistently high levels of maternal mortality and morbidity. The paper situates maternal health within a broader framework of social determinants, emphasizing the interaction between gender inequality, poverty, political instability, and fragile health systems. The analysis highlights preventable medical causes of maternal death—including hemorrhage, sepsis, hypertensive disorders, and obstructed labor—while arguing that these outcomes are primarily driven by systemic barriers rather than clinical limitations. It further explores how restrictions on women’s mobility, employment, and education reduce access to skilled birth attendance and weaken the health workforce. International comparisons illustrate that countries with strong gender equality and health systems achieve dramatically lower maternal mortality rates, demonstrating that progress is possible even in resource-limited settings. The paper concludes that improving maternal health in Afghanistan requires structural reforms, including gender-equitable policies, investment in female education and health workforce participation, and sustained international support. Ultimately, it frames maternal mortality not only as a public health challenge but as an issue of social justice and human rights