Afghan women and girls face mounting restrictions and hunger under Taliban rule

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, restrictions on women's rights and schooling have worsened sharply. Millions of girls are barred from secondary and higher education, with serious social consequences. Roughly 19.2 million people are reported to be food insecure across the country. Access to healthcare has also declined markedly, making it harder for women to get necessary medical care. Observers say the broader humanitarian crisis is deepening and weighing heavily on families' everyday lives.