Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and healthcare workers by 2030 if Taliban restrictions on women’s education and employment continue, according to a UNICEF report published on Monday, April 28.
At present, the Taliban administration has limited women’s employment in most government sectors and restricted girls’ education beyond the age of 12.
The report stated that nearly one million women have already been affected by these policies. If the situation does not improve, the number of those impacted could double by 2030. UNICEF has called for the immediate withdrawal of the restrictions.
Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has continued implementing policies that significantly limit women’s participation in education and the workforce.
According to the report, the number of women working in the education and healthcare sectors is declining rapidly. By 2030, Afghanistan could lose around 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 female healthcare workers—representing nearly a 25 percent decrease compared to 2021 levels. Additionally, another 9,600 healthcare workers may disappear from the sector by 2035.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that no country can sustain its essential public services without teachers, nurses, doctors, and social workers. She warned that by denying girls access to education, Afghanistan risks losing a vital generation of skilled professionals.
The report also highlighted that female healthcare workers are essential for treating women patients, while female teachers play a critical role in educating girls, especially in gender-segregated classrooms.
UNICEF warned that the shortage of female professionals could also have severe economic consequences for Afghanistan. The country is projected to face annual losses of at least 5.3 billion Afghanis—equivalent to approximately US$84 million.
The organisation urged Afghan authorities to ensure opportunities for women’s skills development and greater participation in the labour market.
Source: Reuters