UNICEF warns girls’ education ban is weakening Afghanistan’s economy

Restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment in Afghanistan are weakening the country’s economy and could have long-term social consequences, according to a UNICEF analysis cited by Forbes magazine. The report said the ban on education for girls above sixth grade and limits on women’s participation in the workforce have already reduced Afghanistan’s gross domestic product by about 0.5%. UNICEF warned that continued restrictions could significantly reduce the number of skilled workers in coming years, particularly in the health and education sectors, placing additional strain on public services. The analysis also said millions of Afghan girls remain deprived of education, increasing the risk of child marriage, poor health outcomes and worsening child malnutrition. If current policies remain in place, millions more girls could be excluded from secondary education by 2030, while tens of thousands of qualified women may remain outside the labour market. The warning comes as Afghanistan faces a deep humanitarian crisis marked by widespread poverty, declining international aid and growing economic pressures. United Nations agencies estimate that millions of Afghans continue to rely on humanitarian assistance for food, healthcare and basic services. Regional instability has added to those challenges. Tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and recent security incidents have disrupted trade and contributed to population displacement, while the broader conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has heightened uncertainty across the region and raised concerns about economic spillover effects. International financial institutions have repeatedly argued that expanding access to education and employment for women is critical to Afghanistan’s long-term economic recovery. Aid agencies say female participation in healthcare, education and public services remains essential for addressing humanitarian needs. UNICEF called on the Taliban authorities to lift restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment, saying doing so would help prevent a further deterioration of Afghanistan’s economic and social conditions. The post UNICEF warns girls’ education ban is weakening Afghanistan’s economy appeared first on Khaama Press.