Women in Afghanistan: Developments over the Last 20 Years and the Return of the Taliban

Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places for women in the world. During the Taliban’s first rule from 1996 to 2001, the country became known for its degrading treatment of women. Since 2001, Afghanistan has made progress in gender equality, but major gaps remain. Although women’s labor market participation has increased in recent years, it is among the lowest in the world. Prior to the Taliban takeover, women made great strides in schooling, especially in primary education. This was similarly the case in the health sector. Women have also been represented in political decision-making processes in recent years. Since mid-August 2021, the Taliban have been back in power. What does this mean for Afghan women and girls? This article looks at the achievements in gender equality in recent years and attempts to answer this question.