Women and Girls in Afghanistan Face Unprecedented Suffering after Devastating Earthquake

Strategic Insights -

Rescue efforts in earthquake-stricken Afghanistan continue to be hampered by challenging terrain, and women and girls, who make up a disproportionate number of the victims, are facing an unprecedented crisis. With shelters destroyed, livelihoods lost, and basic infrastructure destroyed, the already fragile position of women and girls in Afghanistan has become even more precarious. As temperatures drop, the need for sturdy shelter grows more pressing, but the Taliban's ban on female workers in Kabul has limited the humanitarian response.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 2,200 people were killed in the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August, with women and girls making up more than half of the victims (2,200 killed, with women and girls accounting for over 1,100).
  • The earthquake has displaced at least 23,000 people, with over 649,000 tonnes of debris still needing to be cleared (UNDP analysis).
  • The Taliban's ban on female workers in Kabul has hindered the humanitarian response, with women staff members unable to come to the office to work (Susan Ferguson, UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan).
  • Women and girls face a heightened threat of violence, particularly in areas where basic infrastructure has been destroyed, making it harder for them to access essential services like healthcare and sanitation.
  • Cultural norms in the affected areas mean that women may be hesitant to receive healthcare from male medical professionals, exacerbating the crisis.
  • Women and girls are already facing an "uphill battle" to survive and support their families, with the earthquake making it exponentially harder for them to feed their children and find a safe place to stay (Susan Ferguson).

Statistics:

  • At least 2,200 people were killed in the earthquake.
  • Women and girls account for more than half of those killed (1,100+),
  • 60% of those still missing are women and girls.
  • 649,000 tonnes of debris still need to be cleared (equivalent to 40,500 truckloads).
  • At least 23,000 people have been displaced by the earthquake.
  • Women make up 60% of those affected by the disaster.

Sources:

  • "Women and girls still reeling from Afghanistan's deadly earthquake face even greater suffering rebuilding their lives and livelihoods..." (UN Women press release, date not provided)
  • Susan Ferguson, UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan, as quoted in UN Women press release (date not provided).
  • UN Development Programme (UNDP) data, cited in UN Women press release (date not provided).