Afghanistan, Aug. 13 -- Afghan women face growing restrictions on movement, education and public life, with many reporting worsening mental health and limited control over their future, five years after the Taliban returned to power, according to a new UN Women report.
The report, "Five Years On: Afghan Women's Futures at a Crossroads," is based mainly on a nationwide survey of 2,811 people conducted in April and May 2026, including 2,210 women.
The report found that 52% of women leave their homes no more than twice a month, compared with 96% of men who leave home daily. The isolation is greater in rural areas, where 62% of women said they rarely leave home.
Nine in 10 women said they need permission from a male family member to leave ho...