Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female professionals by 2030
Ongoing restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment could result in the loss of approximately 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 female health workers by 2030. UNICEF presents these findings in its report The Cost of Inaction on Girls’ Education and Women’s Labour Force Participation in Afghanistan. In addition, women’s participation in civil service positions declined from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2025. Such reductions threaten the continuity of essential public services throughout the country.
Restrictions on girls’ education are weakening future education and health systems
More than one million Afghan girls have been excluded from secondary education since the restrictions were introduced in 2021. Current projections indicate that over two million girls could lose access to education beyond primary school by 2030 if the measures remain unchanged. Evidence of this trend is already visible in the education sector. The number of female teachers decreased from nearly 73,000 in 2022 to around 66,000 in 2024, limiting opportunities for future generations.
The social and economic consequences continue to grow
Women remain essential to the delivery of education and healthcare services in Afghanistan. In many communities, cultural norms require female professionals to attend women and girls. As a result, declining female participation directly affects access to these services. Economic impacts are also significant. Current estimates suggest annual losses of approximately US$84 million. Restoring educational and employment opportunities for women is therefore critical to the country’s long-term development.
Reference
United Nations Children’s Fund (2026, 28 april). Restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment in Afghanistan could lead to a loss of over 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 – UNICEF. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/restrictions-girls-education-and-womens-employment-afghanistan-could-lead-loss-over