The British Embassy for Afghanistan has called on the Taliban to lift restrictions on women studying in medical fields, warning of the long-term consequences for Afghanistan’s healthcare system.
Marking International Day of the Midwife, the embassy said in a message posted on X that it supports the efforts and work of midwives across Afghanistan and emphasized the vital role they play in society.
The embassy stressed that midwifery and female healthcare professionals are essential for the wellbeing of Afghan communities, particularly for women and children.
The statement comes as UNICEF warns that Afghanistan could lose around 20,000 female teachers and more than 5,400 female healthcare workers by 2030 if restrictions on women’s education and employment continue.
According to UNICEF, the shrinking number of female health workers could significantly reduce women’s access to medical services, especially in maternal and child healthcare.
The agency also estimated that restrictions on women’s education and work are causing annual economic losses of approximately 84 million dollars to Afghanistan.
Since returning to power, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women’s education and employment, leaving millions of women and girls excluded from basic rights and opportunities.
The growing international concern reflects fears that the issue is no longer only about education rights, but about the long-term sustainability of Afghanistan’s healthcare and social systems.
