US Warns Excluding Women from Workforce Threatens Afghanistan’s Economic Future

The United States warns that excluding women from Afghanistan’s workforce could severely damage the country’s economic growth and long-term development prospects.

Afghanistan’s economic growth faces serious challenges as half of its population, women remains excluded from economic activity, a senior UN official warned.

Stephen Rodriguez, UN Development Programme (UNDP) representative in Afghanistan, stated on Wednesday, December 10, on Human Rights Day that depriving women of their rights could have long-term negative effects on the country’s economy.

“Excluding women from work could reduce Afghanistan’s GDP by approximately $1 billion between 2024 and 2026,” Rodriguez noted, underlining that women’s participation is essential for sustainable growth.

Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, strict restrictions have barred many women from education and employment, removing their ability to contribute economically and socially.

Reports indicated that many of the affected women were primary earners for their families, and the restrictions have intensified poverty and financial strain.

Experts say excluding women undermines broader development goals, including poverty reduction, health, and social progress, leaving Afghanistan’s future stability at risk.

International organizations are urging urgent measures to reintegrate women into the workforce. Rodriguez emphasized that empowering women is not only a rights issue but also crucial for economic recovery and national stability.

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