Afghan Women and Girls Face Deadly Situation in Earthquake Aftermath

Women and girls in Afghanistan have been disproportionately affected by the recent earthquakes, with higher death tolls and injuries due to the virtual gender apartheid imposed by the Taliban, which has trapped countless women inside their homes. The majority of casualties were women, who were unable to escape collapsing houses and faced increased risks due to restrictions on their rights and mobility. Women and girls also lacked access to information on earthquake preparedness and faced major protection concerns in the aftermath. The earthquakes are expected to worsen the mental health crisis among Afghan women, and women-headed households are facing difficulties accessing emergency relief efforts.