First, enduring insecurity has always played a central role in women's suffer...

First, enduring insecurity has always played a central role in women's suffering in Afghanistan. In the past, insecurity caused a complete breakdown in infrastructure and resources, resulting in backbreaking poverty and lack of access to health care and basic education. Today, restricted access to the most insecure parts of the country perpetuates this situation and hinders progress. The Taliban is increasingly targeting civilians, particularly women and girls, to deny them access to basic services and rights. In addition, insecurity promotes a gun culture that values brute force over the rule of law. The resulting danger keeps women confined to their homes out of fear for their safety and honour, further restricting their access to services and public life.