SIGAR Warns of Catastrophic Disruption Due to Taliban’s Ban on Women in Relief Organizations
The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), the US government’s oversight authority on Afghanistan reconstruction, warned Monday about the severe negative impact of the Taliban government’s prohibition on women working in relief organizations. SIGAR said that approximately 10 million Afghan citizens urgently needed winter aid in 2022-2023, and that the restrictions on women’s employment have impeded the delivery of nongovernmental assistance.
The ban on the employment of women in nongovernmental organizations and institutions has halted over 70% of aid activities in Afghanistan, with catastrophic consequences for thousands of vulnerable individuals, SIGAR charged.
International pressure to lift the restrictions on women in Afghanistan has surged as a result of the ban.
The UN has decried the far-reaching effects of the Taliban’s decision on the lives of millions of people in Afghanistan and has expressed concerns about escalating poverty within the country. SIGAR had previously warned that if Afghanistan’s government failed to lift the ban on women’s employment in relief organizations, the US would suspend specific aid and programs in the country.
The Taliban have said that their prohibition was based on the need to maintain Islamic religious norms and ensure the safety and security of women.
