Susan Ferguson, the UN Women Country Representative for Afghanistan, says that women and girls with disabilities in Afghanistan face ‘severe discrimination’.
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, she said: They face the greatest obstacles to accessing the services and support they need to live with dignity.’
UN Women stated in a press release that an estimate shows that approximately one out of every six women in Afghanistan has a severe disability.
According to the statement, the increased risk of gender-based violence and difficulties in accessing health services and humanitarian aid have contributed to the rise in the number of women with disabilities in Afghanistan.
UN Women emphasized that the psychological impacts arising from the Taliban’s restrictions have also played a role in this matter.
According to the organization, the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women’s work, education, and movement have created an acute mental health crisis for them.
A survey conducted in 2025 with the participation of over 2,000 women in Afghanistan showed that three-quarters of the women described their mental health status as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad.
Ferguson said: They (Afghan women and girls)… despite all the obstacles, seize every opportunity to learn and take the lead.
Many women and girls with disabilities face difficulties in reaching places where humanitarian aid is distributed.
UN Women called for support for women and girls with disabilities in Afghanistan and stated that more women should work in aid organizations.
