Breaking Barriers: A Policy Brief on Advancing Gender Equality for Economic Resilience in Afghanistan

Abstract

The current political uncertainty casts doubt and critical issues of gender inequality in Afghanistan has a harmful impact on the economic resilience of the country. With limited national economic data and limited access to education, employment, and financial resources, it is difficult to provide full-scale policy practices in the new economic resilience. Despite a significant drop in per capita income, half of the country's 40 million population, girls and women, have been deprived of basic rights and freedom. Following the takeover Aug 2021, the economy contracted by 20.7 percent, with another 3.6 percent contraction followed in 2022. Afghanistan has become one of the poorest countries in the world, with a population growth of around 2% and a peak decline in the economy due to strict gender-based employment policies (UNDP, 2023), (UNDP, 2016). With the return of the DFA government women rights participation in work force and education dramatically regressed(HRW, 2022), (BBC, 2021) . These brief findings suggest that how equal gender participation will be effective and can build more resilient and inclusive economy for sustainable future. This policy brief emphasizes the critical components of success, such as political will, active participation of civil society organizations, adequate funding, and international support. Furthermore, the brief advocates for entrepreneurship to ensure equal gender representation in economic growth. Recognizing the urgent need for transformative change, this comprehensive approach focuses on SDG goal 5 gender equality, understanding that economic growth cannot be achieved if half of the population is unable to work. This roadmap leads to women's empowerment in the socioeconomic landscape(COD, 2022),(UNDP, 2019). By providing an overview, this brief fully supports the initiatives of women's participation in public and private spheres. In summary, this policy brief envisions a future in which women's empowerment serves as a catalyst for transformative change, providing Afghanistan with a sustainable and inclusive path forward.