Kabul: Afghanistan is facing a deepening crisis in its health and education systems as tens of thousands of women may disappear from the workforce in the coming years. UNICEF has warned that the country could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 if current restrictions continue.
The warning comes as the country struggles with policies introduced after the return of the Taliban in 2021. These policies have sharply limited the role of women in public life, including banning girls from attending school beyond the age of 12 and restricting women from many jobs.
According to UNICEF, around 20,000 female teachers and about 5,400 female health workers could be lost over the next few years. Experts say this is not only because women are leaving their professions, but also because fewer girls are being educated to replace them in the future.
More than one million girls are already out of secondary school. If the current situation continues, that number could rise to over two million by the end of the decade. This growing gap is expected to weaken the country’s ability to train future professionals, especially women.
The impact is likely to be severe in healthcare. In many parts of Afghanistan, cultural norms require women to be treated by female health workers. A shortage of trained women could limit access to basic services for mothers and children, increasing health risks across communities.
The education sector is also under pressure. With fewer female teachers, it may become harder for schools to function effectively, especially for younger girls who often rely on women educators.
The crisis is also expected to affect the country’s fragile economy. Estimates suggest that the loss of female workers could cost Afghanistan around 84 million dollars each year, further slowing recovery in a country already facing hardship.
UNICEF has described the situation as a dual crisis. On one side, the country is losing experienced women professionals. On the other, it is preventing the next generation of girls from gaining the education they need to take their place.
The agency has called for urgent action, including lifting restrictions on girls’ education and allowing women to work freely. It has also urged the international community to continue supporting Afghan women and girls.
Without change, the warning is clear. Afghanistan risks long term damage to its health and education systems, with consequences that could affect millions of people for years to come.