Taliban Restrictions Delay Medical Help For Women In Quake-Hit Areas

Afghanistan is grappling with its worst earthquake in decades, with over 2,200 dead and 3,600 injured-a toll expected to rise. Amid the physical devastation, Afghan women are facing a deeper crisis. Under Taliban-imposed gender restrictions, cultural norms have obstructed rescue efforts, as male responders are banned from physically assisting unrelated women. As a result, many injured women have suffered delays or been denied critical medical care, highlighting the devastating intersection of disaster and systemic gender oppression.