UN Warns Afghan Women-Led Organisations Facing Major Layoffs Amid Funding Crisis

UN Warns Afghan Women-Led Organisations Facing Major Layoffs Amid Funding Crisis
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The United Nations has warned that women-led organisations in Afghanistan may have to dismiss up to 30% of their staff due to severe funding shortages, Khaama Press reported. In a statement issued during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, UN Women said these groups are essential providers of legal aid, psychosocial support, safe spaces, and basic services for women and girls. Many organisations are now operating with sharply reduced budgets, after earlier assessments showed a loss of nearly one-fifth of their funding since the Taliban regained power.

The warning comes as access to services for women continues to deteriorate. With civil society restrictions intensifying and former protection mechanisms dismantled, millions of Afghan women and girls have limited avenues for assistance. The situation has worsened further due to Taliban bans on Afghan women working with the UN and most aid agencies, severely restricting humanitarian operations for nearly three months.

OCHA also reported that more than 17 million people could face hunger and acute humanitarian needs in 2026, driven by drought, displacement, economic collapse and declining aid. Meanwhile, mass returns from Iran and Pakistan have placed additional pressure on already strained services. UN agencies and rights groups are urging the international community to restore funding, safeguard frontline women-led organisations and ensure inclusive, gender-responsive aid delivery despite ongoing restrictions.