Before the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghanistan had made strides in combating gender-based violence (GBV) — starting with the implementation of frameworks that criminalized acts such as forced marriage, underage marriage, rape and intimate partner violence.

Building on this foundation, Afghan civil society organized various mechanisms that provided crucial support for survivors: Hotlines offered immediate assistance, women’s shelters provided safe havens for victims, and legal assistance was available alongside specialized support centers throughout the country. Meanwhile, independent commissions brought together the Afghan attorney general’s office, the country’s Supreme Court and various government ministries to enforce the new frameworks and provide support. This collaboration between women’s rights organizations, law enforcement and judicial entities helped to create more timely and cohesive responses to GBV cases compared to past systems.

However, since 2021, the Taliban have systematically dismantled these life-saving mechanisms. This rollback has left Afghanistan an increasingly dangerous places for women, ranking in the bottom three in the Women, Peace & Security Index. With patriarchal norms deeply entrenched, survivors now face overwhelming barriers to seeking help, including fear of reprisals from abusers, families and authorities.