Afghanistan ranks 178th in World Bank report for women’s economic participation

The most recent report from the World Bank on the economic and business status of women has placed the women’s economic participation in Afghanistan at 178th position out of 190 countries, higher than countries such as Iran, Yemen, and Palestine.

According to Khaama Press, the 182-page report has not provided clarity on the methodology used in the survey or how it arrived at these conclusions.

This lack of transparency, the article claims, is concerning given the numerous oppressive policies faced by women in Afghanistan, including over 90 restrictions that limit their employment, education, and freedom of movement.

The report, titled “Women, Business and the Law 2024,” focuses on evaluating women’s status in legal frameworks, policymaking, and implementation of laws and policies using key indicators such as mobility, workplace situation, wage and ownership rights, maternity rights, entrepreneurship, investment, childcare, security, marriage, and retirement rights.

The article adds that Afghanistan scored only 20 points out of 100 in the legal frameworks section and 13.3 points out of 100 in the policymaking section.

The Taliban-ruled country also ranks 187th in policymaking and legal frameworks, slightly ahead of Iran, the source mentioned.

It should be mentioned that Belgium, Canada, and Denmark are at the top of the World Bank report’s rankings.

Following the suspension of education and work for women in Afghanistan over the past two years, there has been a growing interest among women in the private sector and business.

Female investors in Afghanistan have been consistently advocating for greater support for female entrepreneurs in the country.