Afghanistan is one of only seven countries in the world that does not have any women in its cabinet, according to a statement by the United Nations marking International Women’s Day in Diplomacy. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in positions of power and diplomacy globally, with 113 countries never having had a woman serve as Head of State or Government.
Women’s Underrepresentation in Leadership
Only 26 countries are led by a woman as of 2024
Women hold 25% of Permanent Representative posts at the UN in New York, 35% in Geneva, and 33.5% in Vienna
In 141 countries, women make up less than a third of Cabinet ministers
Impact on Afghanistan
Kabul 24: Afghanistan is experiencing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions on the threshold of starvation
The Taliban’s edict barring women from working for NGOs is jeopardizing humanitarian efforts to reach over 28 million Afghans dependent on aid
Excluding women from education and crucial sectors will severely inhibit Afghanistan’s economic recovery
Calls for Change
The UN Women Executive Director calls for putting women first in leadership positions to tackle global challenges
The G7 has asked the UN that civil society and women be part of the upcoming Doha talks on Afghanistan
The European Union’s charge d’affaires in Afghanistan praises the resistance, courage and hope of Afghan women.
