Women's contributions to SDG 6 in Afghanistan: impacts of post-2021 restrictive policies on WASH progress

ABSTRACT Women's participation is pivotal to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in Afghanistan, yet progress has stagnated since the August 2021 political transition. This narrative review synthesizes secondary evidence from 2000–2025, drawing on peer-reviewed literature and international organization reports, with pre-2021 sources providing historical context and primary focus on post-2021 developments to evaluate gendered policy impacts. Pre-2021 gender-inclusive programs, such as Community Development Councils and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program, harnessed women's roles in leadership, hygiene promotion, and water management to raise safe drinking water access to 33% and improve sanitation coverage. However, post-2021 policies have reduced female labor force participation to 3.4% and blocked humanitarian aid access for over 70% of women in a gender-segregated context. Compounded by halved funding, economic decline, cultural norms, and inadequate school sanitation, these barriers perpetuate health and gender inequities while halting WASH gains. The review outlines feasible, culturally sensitive pathways alongside calls for sustained funding and diplomatic advocacy. Prioritizing women's inclusion remains essential and achievable for equitable SDG 6 progress in this constrained environment.