DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR AFGHAN WOMEN IN CENTRAL ASIA
A Pathway to Economic Empowerment for Inclusive Regional Stability
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Published by the OSCE Secretariat/Gender Issues Programme under the “WIN -Women and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality” Project.
AUTHOR: Dr. Arianna Briganti Gender and Digitalization Specialist Founder, NOVE -Caring Humans
RESEARCH: Dr. Arianna Briganti Gender and Digitalization Specialist Founder, NOVE -Caring Humans Nilofar Sekandari Independent Expert
COORDINATION AND SUPERVISION: Javiera Thais Santa Cruz OSCE Secretariat, Gender Issues Programme, Office of the Secretary General
equality@osce.org www.osce.org/secretariat/gender
Cover page: Photo Credits - NOVE Caring Humans
The OSCE Gender Issues Programme works towards the implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and relevant Ministerial Council decisions. It supports systematic efforts to mainstream gender equality across the Organization in all its policies, programmes, projects, and activities in the three dimensions of comprehensive security, namely politico-military, economic and environmental, and human.
Under its multi-year, comprehensive project “WIN - Women and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality”, the Gender Issues Programme is striving to advance gender equality as a prerequisite for achieving and maintaining stable, prosperous, and peaceful societies in the OSCE area, in line with the 2004 Action Plan and other OSCE commitments. The information, views, opinions and conclusions presented in this document are not provided by nor necessarily endorsed by the OSCE, unless explicitly stated otherwise. FOREWORD BY DR LARA SCARPITTA, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues
In today’s complex Over the past months, the Gender Issues global landscape, Programme, with support from the WIN—Women the role of women and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender in building and Equality project, conducted a needs assessment maintaining peace to identify potential areas where the OSCE could has never been more support Afghan women living in Central Asia. critical. Nowhere is The study examined how Afghan women living in this more evident Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and than in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan can access and use digital technologies where the systematic for economic empowerment, identifying barriers, suppression of women’s rights threatens not just gaps, and opportunities. The resulting report individual lives and societal structures, but also risks presents evidence-based recommendations for creating regional spill over effects. policymakers, focusing on digital transformation and women’s empowerment in conflict settings. The OSCE participating States share a deep commitment to Afghan women—supporting their The OSCE remains steadfast in supporting Afghan fight for freedom and human rights, providing safe women through concrete actions and initiatives. spaces for their voices to be heard, and ensuring Together with our partners, we will continue to their rightful place in all decision-making processes advocate for their rights, amplify their voices, and regarding Afghanistan’s future. This commitment work toward a future where Afghan women can extends beyond women living in Afghanistan to fully participate in shaping their country’s destiny. those who were forced to flee their homes and are As we move forward, we remain dedicated to now rebuilding their lives in exile. They also need ensuring Afghan women’s meaningful participation targeted support and investment. in shaping their nation’s future, while contributing to the OSCE’s broader mission of promoting peace and comprehensive security.
Dr. Lara Scarpitta SUMMARY Digital literacy and access to technology have storytelling techniques, the assessment examined become crucial factors in promoting women’s social the complex landscape of digital access, identifying and economic inclusion, in particular for those key barriers, gaps and opportunities for meaningful affected by conflict. In response to the continued engagement. Based on these findings, this paper erosion of women’s rights following the Taliban’s presents evidence-based policy recommendations takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the Gender to address the unique challenges and aspirations Issues Programme conducted a comprehensive of Afghan women in Central Asia, offering practical needs assessment focused on digital engagement solutions to enhance their digital inclusion and opportunities for Afghan women living in Central Asia. socio-economic participation. Using qualitative research methods and innovative INTRODUCTION As the world’s largest regional security organization, instance, the potential for increased transnational the OSCE plays a vital role in promoting the human threats, such as terrorism and trafficking in drugs rights and security of women, men, boys and girls. and in human beings, is a primary concern. The The Gender Issues Programme (GIP), under the Taliban takeover in 2021 has heightened fears Office of the OSCE Secretary General, oversees the of Afghanistan becoming a haven for extremist implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for groups that could destabilize the broader region. the Promotion of Gender Equality (hereinafter the Economically, Afghanistan serves as a crucial conduit Action Plan) and related Ministerial Council (MC) for facilitating trade between Central and South decisions. Through its comprehensive approach, Asia. Still, persistent insecurity hinders trade routes it mainstreams gender equality across OSCE and infrastructure projects (i.e., the Turkmenistan– institutions and field operations, encompassing Afghanistan–Pakistan–India pipeline). the Organization’s politico-military, economic and The Taliban’s takeover has created an unprecedented environmental, and human dimensions of security. humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, marked by Building on the commitments made under the systematic human rights violations that have Action Plan, in 2019 the OSCE launched its multi- profoundly disrupted all facets of society. Widespread year, comprehensive project, WIN—Women abuses—including extrajudicial killings, torture, and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender arbitrary detentions, targeted attacks on minorities Equality. This initiative seeks to advance gender and forced displacement—persist throughout the equality as a fundamental prerequisite for achieving country. Women and girls have been particularly and maintaining stable, prosperous and peaceful affected, facing severe restrictions on their freedom societies within the OSCE area. It aligns closely with the of movement, access to employment, healthcare and Action Plan and other MC commitments, reaffirming education. Their participation in public and political the Organization’s dedication to promote gender life has been virtually eliminated through a series of equality as an essential part of comprehensive gender-discriminatory policies. Since August 2021, security and co-operation frameworks. these harsh conditions have forced Afghans to flee to neighbouring Central Asian countries, such as The ongoing security, economic, environmental, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and human rights and humanitarian challenges in Uzbekistan (all OSCE participating States), as well as Afghanistan remain a pressing concern for the Iran and Pakistan. Afghan women in particular face OSCE region, particularly for neighbouring Tajikistan, significant challenges in these countries, especially Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The security and in obtaining access to education and work. development of Central Asia and the broader OSCE area is deeply linked with Afghanistan’s stability. For
5 Recognizing these challenges, the OSCE launched the Framework for Response to the Implications of Afghanistan for the OSCE Region (RIOAR), which currently includes 38 projects implemented in Central Asia. This framework offers participating States a comprehensive platform to manage regional impacts through three key objectives:
MITIGATING RISKS: • Disrupt illicit flows, organized crime and terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
• Strengthen border management and co-operation among OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to enhance security.
ADDRESSING VULNERABILITIES: • Support communities in vulnerable situations, particularly women and youth, who face increased risks of violence, trafficking and economic hardship.
• Promote inclusive and resilient societies through targeted assistance programmes.
PURSUING OPPORTUNITIES: • Facilitate economic and energy development to adapt to regional changes caused by the situation in Afghanistan.
• Support initiatives that promote connectivity, trade and development in the region.
In response to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, but also providing them avenues to amplify their the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group messages and engage with decision-makers. In and participating States met in June 2022 to address addition, prominent Afghan women joined the Afghan women’s rights and the impact of their meetings of the OSCE Networking Platform for post-takeover situation on regional and global Women Leaders, including Peacebuilders and stability. The meeting explored concrete strategies Mediators. to empower Afghan women, highlighting how international support for gender equality contributes to sustainable development and peace.
That same year, a group of Afghan women leaders living in the OSCE region were invited by GIP/WIN to join the Women Peace Leadership Programme and the Young Women for Peace Initiative, empowering them through capacity-building activities to strengthen their leadership for peacebuilding
“My Voice, Our Peace! Connecting Women Peace Leaders from Afghanistan and Ukraine”, Geneva Peace Week 2023
6 Further advancing its commitment, including under Organization’s commitment to addressing the the Generation Equality initiative, the GIP organized regional repercussions of Afghanistan’s crisis. She in partnership with Finland a conference on the also expressed solidarity with “the courageous digital empowerment of women in conflict settings and inspiring women and girls who continue their in March 2023, during the 67th session of the resilient resistance and struggle for their dignity”. Commission on the Status of Women, which included This paper presents the results of a needs the participation of the former Deputy Speaker assessment conducted by the GIP in 2024, which of the Afghan Parliament and Nobel Peace Prize was aimed at developing digital activities for Afghan nominee, Fawzia Koofi. The event underscored the women living in the OSCE participating States transformative potential of digitalization in creating Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan economic opportunities for women from conflict- and Uzbekistan. The assessment examined barriers, affected regions. It showcased how technology can gaps and opportunities for these women to access facilitate income generation, access to services, and use digital technologies for education and education and information, and assist in obtaining employment, using a qualitative research approach identification documents. as well as innovative storytelling tools. The publication The OSCE’s focus on Afghanistan continued also includes recommendations for policymakers to during the Asian Partners for Co-operation help promote Afghan women’s self-determination Group meeting in May 2023, where participants and empowerment through policy interventions examined the deteriorating human rights situation that are evidence-based, contextually relevant and of Afghan women and girls. Former OSCE Secretary responsive to the specific challenges and aspirations General Helga Maria Schmid reaffirmed the of these women.
“Digital Empowerment of Women in Conflict Settings: Why it Matters”, New York, CSW67
7 EMPOWERING WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
THE GLOBAL SITUATION
The digital era presents both and digital fields; online harassment, cyberbullying unprecedented opportunities and and unsafe online spaces that deter digital significant challenges for women engagement; and mobility restrictions that prevent and girls, globally. As digital access to digital training centres and technology. technologies transform societies Addressing the digital gender gap requires more and economies, they hold immense potential to than improving connectivity—it demands equipping accelerate progress toward the 2030 Sustainable women and girls with essential skills and knowledge Development Goals. However, obstacles continue while ensuring safe environments for their digital to hinder equal participation and access, requiring engagement. targeted efforts to address these challenges To this end, in 2023, the 67th session of the effectively. Commission on the Status of Women proposed bold The transformative power that digital technologies recommendations to harness digital transformation’s offer to improve the lives of millions of underserved rapid pace and reach for women’s empowerment. It girls and women worldwide is generating complex called for leveraging financing to promote inclusive hurdles that reinforce and intensify existing gender digital transformation and innovation, fostering inequalities, discrimination and violence (UN gender-responsive education in digital, science WOMEN, 2024). One such issue is the widening and technology, and enhancing data science to gender digital divide, which has become a significant empower all women and girls. It also focused on barrier to gender equality. Another serious concern marginalized groups, including Indigenous women, is that although human capital is essential for women with disabilities and migrant women. The integrating digital technologies into production digital empowerment of migrant women, particularly processes, significant gender disparity persists, those impacted by conflict, underscores how digital with men predominantly occupying roles as ICT tools enhance access to vital income-generating specialists—a gap observed across various countries opportunities in precarious situations (OSCE, 2023). (OECD, 2023).
Women and girls face multiple barriers in accessing educational opportunities in the digital economy, limiting their career prospects. These include: financial constraints that lead families to prioritize boys’ digital education over girls’; restrictive gender norms that limit girls’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Heela Yoon, WPLP Alumni, 2nd Edition
8 WOMEN IN CRISIS SITUATIONS
Women in conflict zones or those displaced by war face significant and specific challenges, including heightened risks of violence, lack of infrastructure and limited access to services. Women’s vulnerability and well-being are further compromised by being exposed to sexual violence, loss of livelihood, restricted access to healthcare and essential services, displacement, and economic instability—all of which further entrenches gender inequality. In such crises, Fatema Hosseini, YW4P Participant women and girls also face distinct digital challenges and setbacks, including limited access to devices In conflict and post-conflict situations, women face and reliable internet connectivity; inadequate disproportionate exposure to gender-based violence digital literacy training; insufficient local digital (GBV)—including online GBV—harassment, sexual infrastructure; and high risks of online harassment, extortion, trafficking networks, misinformation, surveillance and exploitation. Digital tools provide a disinformation and digital surveillance. While crucial role in providing immediate assistance during technology can enhance programmes addressing humanitarian crises; therefore, expanding digital GBV, promote access to education and employment, access in conflict-affected areas is vital for women and combat discrimination and harmful practices, it to receive humanitarian aid, access healthcare and also presents significant risks. Once data is collected— maintain family connections. Beyond humanitarian whether digitally or face-to-face—ensuring its assistance, digital tools are also essential for post- complete security becomes challenging, particularly conflict recovery, support of rebuilding efforts, with sensitive information. Educating women and girls economic development and the fostering of social about technology-facilitated gender-based violence cohesion. (TFGBV) and digital safety practices enables them to better navigate these circumstances (UNFPA, 2023). Enhanced digital literacy equips women to protect their privacy online, avoid unsafe digital spaces, and report abuses effectively. Digital security training is essential to protect them from potential exploitation. While pursuing safe and ethical technology use and establishing a global framework for consistent standards to counter TFGBV remains crucial, digital spaces also offer opportunities for women to rebuild their lives. Well-designed technology solutions that respect and support women’s rights can facilitate their participation in education, employment and Elham Kohistani, WPLP Alumni, 1st Edition peacebuilding efforts throughout conflict and post- conflict scenarios.
9 THE STRUGGLE OF AFGHAN WOMEN CONTEXT Afghan women’s lives have been profoundly impacted by decades of conflict, with their freedoms curtailed under both Taliban regimes. This has created an urgent need to enhance their participation and decision-making in education, employment, and peacebuilding efforts.
Under the government known as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (in power since January 2004 until the Taliban takeover in August 2021), significant progress was made in women’s emancipation and self-determination through expanded employment opportunities, education access, and efforts to combat forced marriages and domestic violence. These advancements brought women closer to achieving equal status in society. However, since the Taliban takeover, these achievements have been systematically reversed, with the Taliban imposing more than 120 bans and orders restricting women’s Photo credits: NOVE Caring Humans
rights, as well as re-introducing such punishments Most recently, the Taliban imposed the Law on the as public stoning and flogging (USIP, 2024). These Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, restrictions encompass a ban on girls’ education after comprising 35 articles that outline strict regulations age 12, severe constraints on women’s employment, on personal conduct, primarily targeting women. and significant barriers to their public participation, This legislation, officially published on 31 July 2024, effectively erasing decades of progress in gender marks a further escalation of the already severe equality. restrictions imposed on women.
The Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan expressed grave concern over the Taliban’s decision in December 2024 to ban women and girls from attending public and private medical training institutions and expressed concern that this new ban will have devastating consequences for all Afghans, especially mothers and infants – both born and unborn, boys and girls – and will further destabilize an already fragile healthcare system.”
Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan, of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Geneva, 16 December 2024
10 MASS MIGRATION TO AFGHANISTAN’S NEIGHBOURS
Afghanistan’s ongoing economic and social instability residing in major cities, which limit their employment affects the wider Central Asian region, as well as opportunities. In response to these social, economic Europe. In the wake of the civilian evacuation in and administrative challenges, various initiatives August 2021, many Afghans, particularly women, have emerged to support in particular Afghan women sought refuge in neighbouring countries, such as refugees in Central Asia. Local and international Pakistan and Iran, as well as Central Asian countries. organizations provide education and vocational This surge in emigration has placed millions in training to help women and girls continue their precarious situations. education or develop skills for online work. These efforts are vital for empowering Afghan women to Afghan refugees face many obstacles, including overcome the restrictions they face in their host language barriers in education systems, lack of countries, and help protect and promote the rights legal status needed for school enrolment, and of women and girls in Afghanistan itself. bureaucratic restrictions, such as prohibitions on
IDENTIFYING AFGHAN WOMEN’S DIGITAL NEEDS In line with its multi-dimensional commitment inform the recommendations. A mapping of ongoing to enhancing security in Central Asia, the OSCE initiatives, programmes and resources aimed completed a needs assessment in December 2024 to at assisting Afghan women via digital tools was guide the development of digitalization activities for conducted. The review encompassed local, regional Afghan women living as refugees in its participating and global efforts while exploring the broader States Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, geopolitical and cultural landscape to pinpoint gaps Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The assessment and opportunities that digitalization could address. examined barriers, gaps and opportunities for The assessment included in-depth interviews accessing and leveraging digital technologies for with five key stakeholder groups: Afghan women economic empowerment, providing them with a refugees, international and local non-governmental chance to rebuild their lives and overcome barriers organizations (NGOs), private sector leaders, to education and employment. members of the Afghan diaspora, and representatives The assessment adopted a qualitative research from educational and multilateral organizations. approach to comprehensively understand Afghan women’s needs. The methodology was designed to capture diverse perspectives and provide actionable insights. It integrated three primary components: a desk review, key informant interviews, and thematic analysis. This approach enabled the identification of recurring patterns, unique insights and critical gaps. Themes such as digital literacy, access to infrastructure, socio-cultural barriers and economic opportunities were systematically explored to Shahnaz Haidary, YW4P Participant
11 PRELIMINARY FINDINGS The assessment’s findings underscore the transformative potential of inclusive digital transformation to empower Afghan women. Addressing such barriers as digital safety, skill gaps, economic dependency, and cultural constraints through regional partnerships and scalable initiatives, is critical for promoting human rights, women’s empowerment and stability in Central Asia. Photo credits: NOVE Caring Humans
INSIGHTS FROM PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES Interviews with private sector representatives, particularly from the Afghan diaspora, highlight critical insights into ongoing digital initiatives:
SECURE PLATFORMS: Safe online platforms are essential to access skills training and remote work, although digital safety concerns persist, such as online harassment and abuse, fear of being under digital surveillance from authorities or individuals in their community, and concern about the security of personal data (such as contact details) and other identifying information.
COLLABORATION NETWORKS: Partnerships with diaspora-led organizations strengthen employment pathways and address cultural and infrastructural challenges.
CONTEXT-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS: Many programmes need better adaptation to varying digital literacy and connectivity levels, particularly for women refugees.
PRIVATE SECTOR CONTRIBUTIONS: Private sector programmes effectively link training with job opportunities, outperforming traditional NGO approaches.
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES: Long-term success depends on secure platforms and regional partnerships to foster economic empowerment and resilience.
Photo credits: NOVE Caring Humans
12 INSIGHTS FROM INTERNATIONAL NGOs Discussions with NGOs identify key barriers and needs specific to Afghan women refugees:
INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICITS: Limited access to devices, secure internet and reliable connectivity hinders participation in digital programmes.
SECURITY CONCERNS: Fear of surveillance (including from male family members) restricts online engagement, underscoring the need for stronger security protocols.
SKILL GAPS IN DIGITAL LITERACY: Zakia-Alizada, YW4P Participant Insufficient digital literacy prevents women from competing in global markets, highlighting the need for tailored training.
CHALLENGES IN JOB PLACEMENT: Many programmes struggle to bridge skill development with employment. Afghan women need sustainable job pathways that consider their unique needs, including mobility limitations and regional security concerns.
ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY AND DEPENDENCY: Without integrated training and employment pathways, women rely on informal, unstable jobs, limiting their long-term economic independence.
Our people have endured profound suffering, with trauma passed down from mothers to daughters across generations. Now, living outside Afghanistan, I can finally breathe. Freedom from oppression has granted me the opportunity to focus on my education. I learned to code and secured a remote position with a private company through a digital training program. This enables me to support my family back home financially.”
23-year-old Afghan refugee living in Kyrgyzstan
Photo credits: NOVE Caring Humans
13 TESTIMONIALS FROM AFGHAN WOMEN LIVING IN CENTRAL ASIAN PARTICIPATING STATES Interviews with Afghan women reveal significant structural and socio-economic barriers:
CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC BARRIERS: Socio-cultural norms, limited resources, and ethnic biases significantly restrict women’s digital engagement and economic empowerment. These challenges further hinder Afghan refugees’ access to resources in Central Asia.
RESOURCE ACCESS CHALLENGES: Limited funding and workspace challenges restrict growth and productivity. Complex visa regulation hinders regional trade and online market access, while inadequate digital infrastructure compounds these issues. Many self-employed Afghan women and small producers often lack safe workspaces essential for productivity, efficiency, community support and mental well-being—all crucial factors for managing displacement. Farima Nawabi, WPLP Alumni, 2nd Edition
DIVERSE NEEDS: The Afghan refugee population in Central Asia represents diverse socio-economic backgrounds, education levels and access to resources. While some demonstrate advanced digital literacy, others face basic literacy challenges, creating complexities in training delivery and resulting in disparate employment outcomes. TRAUMA IMPACT: Cultural and psychological trauma significantly affects women’s participation in educational and economic initiatives. Interviews reveal that international organizations often neglect these issues, reducing programme effectiveness.
LABOUR MARKET DISCONNECT: Current training programmes often misalign with actual job market demands, limiting long-term economic prospects and slowing integration efforts.
Maryam Ranjbar, WPLP Alumni, 1st Edition
14 TESTIMONIALS FROM CENTRAL ASIAN WOMEN SUPPORTING AFGHANS Central Asian women working in the technology sector and international organizations supporting Afghan refugees identify key opportunities:
CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS: Strategic regional partnerships deliver resources, strategies and connections to boost Afghan women’s empowerment.
REGIONAL LINKAGES: Building connections between Afghan and Central Asian women through education and employment strengthens networks and enables practical co- operation.
ACCESS TO DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND LEGAL SUPPORT: Accessible digital platforms and tailored legal frameworks empower Afghan women to participate effectively in education, employment and broader economic activities within the region.
COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCES: Robust local support systems build resilience, fostering empowerment and sustainable economic independence.
Life here is relatively safe, but I face significant challenges as an Afghan woman seeking professional growth. Many of us have started working in tailoring, beauty salons, or small- scale production, but our potential for economic independence is limited without structured support. I decided to join a basic computer training course and continued educating myself in using digital tools. Now, I help other Afghan women set up their companies online and use social media to sell their products abroad. My clients and I strive to overcome obstacles, sharing resources and knowledge to build sustainable livelihoods together.”
27-year-old Afghan refugee living in Central Asia
INSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATIVES’ CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions from international bilateral and multilateral organizations highlight structural approaches to empowerment:
INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMMES: Regional initiatives tackle education, vocational training and digital literacy gaps.
ACCESS BARRIERS: Legal documentation requirements, inadequate infrastructure and cultural constraints limit Afghan women’s participation, particularly in rural areas of Central Asia countries.
MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES: Online education programmes must address isolation and mental health concerns (i.e., post-traumatic stress disorder).
COLLABORATIVE POTENTIAL: Strategic and financial partnerships among international organizations need strengthening to enhance digital programmes through scholarships, technology and online platforms.
15 THE WAY FORWARD The OSCE GIP/WIN Needs Assessment highlights the infrastructure, skill gaps and restrictive socio-political urgent need for multi-faceted, culturally sensitive, environments. Regional collaborations have proven intersectional and scalable interventions to empower crucial, showing how cross-border support networks Afghan women refugees in Central Asia. enhance education and employment opportunities for Afghan women. Current challenges, including Key insights confirm that digital technologies legal restrictions, insufficient rural outreach and a hold transformative potential to bridge gender lack of refugee-specific solutions, underscore the disparities. However, this transformation requires need for targeted interventions. addressing systemic barriers, including limited
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICYMAKERS
Digital infrastructure Skills and safety development Legal and policy and job advocacy placement
Regional and cross-border collaboration
Institutional support and Adaptable and international contextualized partnership training
Community- Focus on based mental health resources and well-being
16 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICYMAKERS The OSCE GIP/WIN Needs Assessment highlights the urgent need for multi-faceted, culturally sensitive, intersectional and scalable interventions to empower Afghan women refugees in Central Asia.
LEGAL AND POLICY ADVOCACY: Examine/review visa and work permit restrictions to enhance Afghan women’s economic opportunities. Eliminate legal barriers and foster regulatory co-operation to support women’s participation in local and regional economies.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY: Prioritize devices, internet access and secure digital platforms for low-resource environments. Promote and implement robust data protection measures, addressing Afghan women’s fears of surveillance and retaliation, especially in refugee settings.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND JOB PLACEMENT: Address skills gaps by designing programmes for basic and advanced digital skills, bridging gaps that hinder Afghan women’s competitiveness in the regional economy. Integrate employment pathways to develop initiatives that directly link training to digital job placements, focusing on remote and flexible roles tailored to Afghan women’s mobility and security constraints.
ADAPTABLE AND CONTEXTUALIZED TRAINING: Develop programmes that respect Afghan women’s diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches. Implement trauma-informed practices and inclusive learning methods.
REGIONAL AND CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATION: Strengthen partnerships between Afghan and Central Asian women to build robust support networks. Establish regional digital marketplaces to facilitate cross-border trade participation.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP: Scale successful programmes and develop international partnerships to expand scholarship opportunities and online learning access.
COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCES: Strengthen community initiatives supporting Afghan women’s sustainable livelihoods through local networks, social movements and NGOs. Prioritize rural connectivity and programme inclusivity.
FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: Integrate mental health resources in online education, particularly for women facing isolation due to restrictive norms imposed upon them. Include psychological support and local language courses in educational initiatives for economic empowerment.
Photo credits: NOVE Caring Humans
17 REFERENCES Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Digital empowerment of women in conflict settings: Why it matters (2023). Retrieved from https://www.osce.org/secretariat/538056
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Gender equality and digital transformation (2023). Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/policy-issues/gender- equality.html
United Nations Foundation, Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) agreed conclusions (2023). Retrieved from https://unfoundation.org/csw67/commission-on-the-status-of-women-csw67- agreed-conclusions
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Guidance on the safe and ethical use of technology to address gender- based violence and harmful practices: Implementation summary (2023). Retrieved from https:// www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/UNFPA_SafeEthicalGBVTechGuide_Summary_2023.pdf
United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Tracking the Taliban’s (mis)treatment of women (2024). Retrieved from https://www.usip.org/tracking-talibans-mistreatment-women
UN Women, Placing gender equality at the heart of the global digital compact (2024). Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/placing-gender-equality-at-the-heart-of- the-global-digital-compact-en.pdf
18 This publication is part of the OSCE Secretariat WIN Project (Women and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality). The WIN project is implemented with support from the following donors:
OSCE Secretariat Office of the Secretary General Gender Issues Programme Wallnerstrasse 6 1010 Vienna, Austria Email: equality@osce.org www.osce.org/secretariat/gender
Published in 2025
The contents of this publication reflect the opinions, findings, interpretations, and conclusions of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views or any official position of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), its donors, and/or its participating States. Although the utmost care has been taken in the publication’s preparation, the OSCE does not accept any liability for the accuracy or completeness of any information, instructions, advice provided therein, or for misprints.
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