Over the last 18 months, the women and girls of Afghanistan have suffered a dramatic reversal of rights. The sudden and drastic reversal put severe limitations on women and girls exercise of basic freedoms, including access to education and workplaces.

Girls above sixth grade have been denied an education and, according to women civil society organisations and activists, women are now unable to drive, take public transport or move freely. Due to safety concerns and fear of reprisal, womens shelters run by UN Women-supported partner organisations have temporarily closed.

Womens leadership at all levels in government has been suppressed and the Ministry of Womens Affairs in the country has been closed. Restrictions have been placed on civic space, including the operating environment for women-led civil society organisations. Many civil society organisation leaders and women human rights defenders have had no choice but to leave the country or go into hiding.

Such constraints increasingly limit womens ability to earn a living, access healthcare and education, seek protection, escape situations of violence, exercise their individual and collective rights and act with agency. This comes at a time when there is almost universal poverty in the country. More than half of the population needs some form of humanitarian assistance, and an entire generation is threatened by food insecurity and malnutrition.

Womens rights in Afghanistan need to move in one direction, and that is forward.

The funds raised through the Trek for Rights 2023 will support UN Womens work on the ground in Afghanistan to ensure women and girls are not left behind in humanitarian efforts and able to access life-saving services.

Hear from UN Women Afghanistan Deputy Representative Alison Davidian who breaks down the situation on the ground, highlighting key areas for action to support the immediate and long-term needs of Afghan women and girls.