Gender equality

Mainstreaming violence-against-women considerations into every programme – not only those labelled “gender” – is essential.

Afghanistan’s women and girls, already bearing the brunt of the crisis, stand to lose the most if current trends persist.

This gathering reinforces that women’s empowerment is not just a rights issue but a development imperative aligned with Islamic principles and modern needs.

Experts advocate treating care as essential social infrastructure. Expanding services, redistributing unpaid work through policy, and challenging norms that sideline educated women could unlock significant gains.

Humanitarian actors warn that without addressing root issues – including rights restrictions and economic isolation – Afghanistan risks losing another generation.

In a sobering assessment released this week, the United Nations has painted a complex portrait of Afghanistan under Taliban governance, where a dramatic increase in security incidents coincides with fragile stability, devastating cross-border violence with Pakistan, and a deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis.

The international community’s response – through statements, potential aid conditions, or sanctions – will be critical in determining whether such crackdowns face meaningful consequences.

Experts suggest the Eid address serves multiple purposes: rallying domestic support, discouraging dissent, and messaging the international community ahead of potential future talks. With Akhundzada rarely appearing publicly and operating primarily from Kandahar, his sermons remain key vehicles for policy direction.