UN Warns Internet Shutdowns in Afghanistan Endanger Women and Deepen Digital Inequality

UN Warns Internet Shutdowns in Afghanistan Endanger Women and Deepen Digital Inequality
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The United Nations has cautioned that repeated internet disruptions in Afghanistan are cutting women off from essential and life-saving services, Khaama Press reported. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said on Monday that the nationwide outages severely limit women’s access to information needed to make decisions about their health, security and future, exacerbating an already significant digital gender divide.

In a separate assessment, UN Women noted that weak infrastructure and low literacy levels continue to hinder general access to mobile and internet services across the country. However, the agency emphasised that women face disproportionately greater obstacles due to restrictive social norms that limit their use of digital tools.

The UN warned that any shutdown of mobile or internet networks has immediate and harmful consequences for women and girls, cutting off remote education, protection services and emergency support systems. For many Afghan women, who already face restrictions on movement and public participation, online connectivity has become a crucial lifeline.

Humanitarian organisations say the recent digital blackouts underscore the heightened vulnerability of women, who rely heavily on online resources for health advice, confidential assistance and economic opportunities. UN officials stress that without stable and equitable internet access, the gender gap will widen further, undermining aid efforts and isolating women from vital support networks.