Lifting the restrictions on women’s employment would unlock significant potential for Afghanistan’s socio-economic development. It would:
Employment restrictions on women have led to an increase in child marriages from 35% in 2021 to 45% in 2023 (UNICEF, Human Rights Watch). This rise suggests families in economic hardship may turn to child marriages, harming girls’ education, health, and well-being. Similarly, child labor has increased from 25% in 2019 to 30% in 2023 (ILO, UNICEF), indicating that more children are forced into labor due to economic pressures. Greater economic opportunities for women would likely reduce the reliance on child marriages and child labor.
Allowing women to participate in the workforce would empower them economically and socially, fostering greater gender equality and respect for their rights. With more women in the workforce, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) might provide enhanced infrastructure development support. This external aid could save the Taliban millions of dollars, making a strong economic case for encouraging female employment.
Increased female labor force participation would inject much-needed income into families, lifting them out of poverty and improving their overall well-being. Increasing the female employment rate can also elevate household incomes. With more women working, the average household income is expected to rise to approximately $3161.75. This increase not only benefits individual families but also strengthens the economy as a whole.
Encouraging women to work can have significant economic benefits. The government’s stipend program for eligible families provides a monthly allowance of 2000 AFN per person. By promoting female employment, it can reduce its spending on support programs, leading to annual savings of at least 9600 million AFN. A higher female employment rate is projected to boost tax revenue by over 50%. This surge in revenue can be redirected to fund development projects and social programs, fostering national growth and stability.
