Understanding the Mental Health of Afghan Women

Mental health among Afghan women has deteriorated significantly over the past few months, according to a joint report from three U.N. agencies. The report, released by U.N. Women, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, revealed that nearly 70% of Afghan women reported worsening feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation between April and June. This marks an increase from 57% in the previous quarter.

The study involved interviews with 592 Afghan women across 22 provinces, conducted online, in-person, through group consultations, and individual telesurveys. The women spoke of suffering from various psychological problems, including depression, insomnia, anxiety, fear, and even thoughts of suicide. The deteriorating mental health can be attributed to the harsh measures imposed by the Taliban since they assumed power two years ago.

The Taliban, despite earlier promises of a more moderate rule, have implemented restrictive measures targeting women. They have barred women from many aspects of public life, including work and education, with girls banned from attending school beyond the sixth grade. The restrictions on female education make Afghanistan the only country in the world with such limitations. The Taliban have also prohibited Afghan women from working at local and non-governmental organizations, extending the ban to United Nations employees in April.

The report also highlighted that 81% of women did not engage with local Taliban authorities on important issues during the April to June 2023 period. Additionally, 46% of women believed that international recognition of the Taliban government should never happen, while 50% suggested that recognition should be conditional on improvements in women’s rights, education, and employment.

Afghan women urged the international community to maintain political and economic sanctions against the Taliban and increase engagement on gender equality and women’s rights. They called for support in the form of counseling and psychological services, international scholarships, and safe migration options for women and girls seeking to study and work abroad.

Re-reported from the article originally published in AP News