A new report highlights the risk of a major decline in female participation in essential professions due to ongoing restrictions on women’s work and education. Tens of thousands of positions in healthcare and education could disappear in the coming years if current policies remain unchanged. These roles are especially critical because women are often required or preferred providers in these sectors. The projected losses would not only weaken public services but also reduce economic output, underscoring the broader labor market consequences of limiting workforce participation.
See "UNICEF warns Afghanistan could lose up to 25,000 female health workers, teachers", Jasper Ward, Reuters, April 29, 2026