Funding cuts to Afghanistan are now recognized as the largest threat to aiding women and girls in the region, according to Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Speaking out over the weekend, Egeland highlighted the impact of diminishing financial support for humanitarian aid, indicating that women and girls bear the heaviest burden as these essential services contract.

In 2022, the Norwegian Refugee Council assisted approximately 772,484 Afghans, a number that has since decreased to just 491,435 in 2023. Approximately half of those helped were women. Egeland emphasized, “We see one after the other peer organizations cutting programming and staff in the last two years,” reinforcing that funding cuts threaten the future well-being of Afghan women, particularly in education—a critical area of concern following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, which plunged millions into poverty and hunger.

Significant restrictions imposed by the current Taliban regime, alongside international sanctions, have severely hindered financial support systems, impacting vital services such as education and healthcare. The Taliban's hold on power has generated turmoil, with bank transfers halted and billions in assets frozen, making it difficult for NGOs to operate effectively.

Egeland noted the urgent need for sustained international support, stressing that ongoing humanitarian efforts, such as education and health care programs, are crucial for maintaining public services. He asserted, “Now we can’t even fund livelihood programming for widows and single mothers,” calling attention to the gap in support for vulnerable populations.

The United Nations and various international agencies have continuously urged for assistance to Afghanistan, even amid disagreements with its ruling authorities. During discussions with Taliban officials, Egeland reiterated the need to resume educational opportunities for women and girls, communicating that, although they insist it will happen, conditions remain unfavorable.

A collective response from the international community is deemed necessary to reverse the trend of funding cuts and enable Afghan women and girls to regain access to essential services, particularly education and health support. For further information, you can read more on this issue at AP News and VOA News.