Afghan Women Face Deadly Challenges in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters: A Call to Address Inequities and Strengthen Support Systems

Afghanistan Earthquake Exposes Deadly Impact of Gender Restrictions

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Kabul, Afghanistan – A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan in late August, leaving a trail of destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman provinces. While the natural disaster itself caused widespread devastation, a separate, human-made factor substantially worsened the impact on women: severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban regime.

Deadliest Quake in Decades Overwhelms Resources

The earthquake, the most lethal to hit Afghanistan in decades, damaged nearly 700,000 homes and 500 hectares of farmland in Kunar province alone. Humanitarian efforts were quickly launched to assist the most vulnerable populations – including women, children, and the elderly – but were hindered by the existing political and social climate.

Shortage of Female Doctors Compounds the crisis

A critical shortage of female doctors in the affected areas presented a important obstacle to providing adequate medical care for women. Due to strict gender segregation practices, male doctors faced limitations in treating female patients. This lack of access to appropriate healthcare led to a demonstrably higher death toll among women.

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on 31 August 2025. A shortage of female doctors left women untreated as the quake’s toll mounted.

Taliban Policies Exacerbate Vulnerability

taliban decrees restrict women’s freedom of movement, limit their employment opportunities, and severely curtail access to healthcare services, according to a recent report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. These policies amplified the challenges faced by women in the earthquake’s aftermath, leaving many without safe shelter, clean water, or access to essential medical attention. Reports from Kunar and Jalalabad detail the struggles women faced in securing basic necessities.

Grim Statistics and Personal Accounts

The estimated death toll from the earthquake currently stands at 2,200 people. While the exact number of female casualties remains unconfirmed, health workers on the ground report alarmingly high rates of fatalities among both women and children. Sharifa Aziz, a UNICEF relief worker, described the relief and gratitude expressed by women upon receiving assistance, stating they felt like “God’s angels have come to us.”

International Response and Ongoing Concerns

Susan Ferguson, the UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan, warned that women and girls would disproportionately suffer the consequences of the disaster and emphasized the need to prioritize their needs in the response and recovery efforts. This concern echoes the devastating impact witnessed after the 2023 earthquake in Herat, where women comprised nearly 60% of the fatalities and two-thirds of the injuries.

Initially, the Taliban dispatched mobile health teams to Kunar only after images circulated on local television showcasing the lack of female medical professionals in the affected zones, as reported by Abdulqadeem Abrar, spokesperson for the Afghan red Crescent Society. However, residents continue to report a persistent shortage of female staff as the number of injured individuals rises.

Chenar Gul, a resident of Kunar, expressed her frustration, stating that patients had to be transferred elsewhere due to the lack of female doctors available to provide care. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the critical role female doctors play in disaster response, noting that women and children might potentially be left untreated for extended periods in areas lacking sufficient female medical personnel.

Education Restrictions Further Hamper Progress

Despite the urgent need for qualified healthcare professionals, the Taliban continues to restrict access to education for girls and women, having kept all universities, institutions, and medical training centers closed for four consecutive years. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban leader, recently downplayed the importance of girls’ education, signaling a continued disregard for the crucial role women play in society.

A Systemic Issue Requiring International Action

The scale of devastation caused by the earthquake was compounded by pre-existing issues of poor infrastructure and a fragile healthcare system, a legacy of decades of conflict. Mitigating the impact of future disasters on women requires a concerted effort from the international community to exert sustained pressure on the Taliban government to reverse its restrictive policies.

Understanding Gender and Disaster Risk Reduction

Globally, studies consistently demonstrate that gender inequalities exacerbate the risks faced by women and girls during disasters. Factors such as limited mobility,unequal access to resources,and societal norms can significantly hinder their ability to prepare for,respond to,and recover from emergencies. Addressing these underlying inequalities is crucial for building resilience and ensuring equitable disaster risk reduction strategies.

Did You Know? According to UN Women, disasters kill more women than men, or vice versa, depending on the specific socio-economic context.

Pro Tip: When donating to disaster relief efforts, prioritize organizations that specifically address the needs of women and girls, ensuring they receive targeted assistance.

Factor	Impact on Women in Disasters
Limited Mobility	Reduced access to early warning facts and evacuation routes.
unequal Access to Resources	Lower capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters.
Societal Norms	Increased vulnerability to violence and exploitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the current situation for women in Afghanistan? Women in Afghanistan face severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms under the Taliban regime, impacting their access to education, employment, and healthcare.
• How did the earthquake specifically impact women? The shortage of female doctors and restrictions on women’s movement hampered access to medical care, leading to a higher death toll among women.
• What is the role of the international community? The international community must continue to advocate for the rights of Afghan women and provide humanitarian assistance while pressing for policy changes.
• What are the long-term consequences of these restrictions? The restrictions on women’s education and healthcare will have lasting negative effects on Afghanistan’s social and economic growth.
• What can be done to address the shortage of female healthcare workers? investing in and supporting female education and training programs, and advocating for the removal of restrictions on women working in healthcare are crucial steps.

What steps can the international community take to effectively support Afghan women in the face of ongoing crises? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

How do restrictions on women’s mobility, such as the requirement of a *mahram*, specifically impede their access to early warning systems and safe shelters during disasters?

The Disproportionate Impact of Disasters on Afghan Women

Afghanistan is consistently ranked among the most disaster-prone countries globally, facing recurring challenges from earthquakes, floods, droughts, and landslides. While natural disasters impact all segments of the population,Afghan women and girls experience a disproportionately higher burden of risk and suffer more severe consequences. This isn’t simply due to biological vulnerability; it’s deeply rooted in existing gender inequalities, socio-economic disparities, and limited access to resources. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for effective disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response.

Existing Gender Inequalities Exacerbate Disaster Risk

Prior to the recent political shifts, Afghanistan already faced important challenges regarding gender equality. These pre-existing conditions dramatically amplify the impact of natural disasters on women:

* Limited Mobility: Restrictions on women’s movement, particularly without a male guardian ( mahram), hinder their ability to evacuate during emergencies. This impacts access to early warning systems and safe shelters.

* Economic Dependence: High rates of female unemployment and economic dependence on male family members leave women with fewer resources to cope with disaster-related losses.Loss of a male breadwinner can be devastating.

* Lack of Access to Details: Lower literacy rates among women, coupled with limited access to media and dialog technologies, mean they are often less informed about impending disasters and available assistance.

* Social Norms & Gender Roles: Traditional gender roles frequently enough prioritize the safety of men and boys during evacuations, leaving women and girls more vulnerable. Women are frequently responsible for childcare and caring for elderly relatives, making evacuation more complex.

* Increased Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Disasters frequently enough lead to a surge in GBV, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and forced marriage, as coping mechanisms break down and protection systems weaken.Women’s protection is paramount.

Specific Disaster Types and Their Impact on Women

The type of disaster substantially influences the specific challenges faced by Afghan women.

Earthquakes & Building Collapse

Afghanistan is situated in a seismically active zone. Poorly constructed housing, common in many rural areas, makes women particularly vulnerable during earthquakes.

* Increased Risk of Injury & death: Women are more likely to be trapped in collapsing buildings due to their roles within the household and limited mobility.

* Post-Traumatic Stress: Experiencing a traumatic event like an earthquake can lead to significant mental health challenges for women, often compounded by limited access to psychosocial support.

Floods & displacement

Flooding, particularly flash floods, is a recurring problem, especially during the spring snowmelt.

* Waterborne Diseases: Flooding contaminates water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, which disproportionately affect women and children due to their roles in water collection and sanitation.

* displacement & Shelter Challenges: Displacement camps often lack adequate privacy and security for women, increasing the risk of GBV. Access to menstrual hygiene products is frequently limited.

* Loss of Livelihoods: Floods destroy crops and livestock, impacting women’s livelihoods, particularly in agricultural communities.

Drought & Food Insecurity

Prolonged droughts exacerbate existing food insecurity, leading to malnutrition and increased vulnerability.

* Malnutrition & maternal Health: Pregnant and lactating women are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, leading to adverse health outcomes for both mother and child.

* Increased Workload: Droughts often force women to walk longer distances to collect water and firewood, increasing their workload and exposure to risks.

* Forced Migration: Drought-induced migration can disrupt social networks and increase women’s vulnerability to exploitation.

Strengthening Support Systems: Actionable Steps

Addressing the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on Afghan women requires a multi-faceted approach focused on equity and empowerment.

Prioritizing Gender-Responsive Disaster Risk Reduction

* Inclusive Early Warning Systems: Ensure early warning systems reach women through accessible channels, considering literacy levels and cultural norms. Utilize community radio, mobile phone messaging, and female community leaders.

* Safe & Accessible Shelters: Establish shelters that are safe, private, and accessible for women and girls, with separate spaces for women and men.

* Gender-Sensitive Training: Provide disaster preparedness training to both women and men, addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities and promoting equitable participation.

* Building Codes & Infrastructure: Invest in earthquake-resistant building codes and infrastructure, prioritizing the safety of all community members.

Enhancing Humanitarian Response

* Gender-Based violence Prevention & Response: Integrate GBV prevention and response mechanisms into all humanitarian programs. ensure access to safe spaces, psychosocial support, and legal assistance for survivors.

* Reproductive Health Services: Provide access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including maternal care, family planning, and safe abortion services (were legal and culturally appropriate).

* Economic Empowerment Programs: Implement economic empowerment programs that provide women with access to income-generating opportunities and financial resources.

* Distribution of Essential Items: