Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the economic and social conditions for women have undergone a drastic transformation. Unemployment among working women stands out as one of the most regrettable consequences of these changes, leading to profound repercussions within society.
Over the past three years, and with the enactment of restrictive laws, numerous private and public institutions that employed women have dismissed a significant number of them from their positions.
Sahar Akbari is one of the women who was employed by an international organization but was dismissed from her position following the imposition of restrictions against women.
“I previously worked for an international institution and was responsible for a portion of our household expenses; I needed to work. However, after losing my job, we faced numerous economic challenges since my husband could only work alone, and his earnings were insufficient to cover our household needs,” Sahar Akbari said.
Reports indicate that a significant percentage of working women have been dismissed from their jobs, severely limiting their ability to continue working. In many instances, certain professions that were once accessible to women have become unavailable due to various social and cultural restrictions.
Suraya Karimi is another woman who has lost her job, and her enforced idleness has resulted in mental health struggles, including depression. She expresses, “I feel as though I am imprisoned in the four walls of my home; each day, I lose hope for life and the future. The economic challenges and unemployment are one, but I find myself devoid of motivation and enthusiasm for achieving a better future.”
The economic hardships faced by women have significantly adverse effects on household economies, with declining incomes leading to increased poverty and economic instability.
Furthermore, several women report that due to unemployment, they have been deprived of new educational and professional opportunities, severely undermining their social status.
The erosion of women’s roles as entrepreneurs and employees contributes to heightened gender inequality and perpetuates negative traditions. The absence of women’s participation in the economy and society diminishes their voices in decision-making processes, resulting in the continuation of cycles of poverty and inequality.
- نویسنده : Afghanistan Women News Agency
- منبع خبر : Afghanistan Women News Agency