“For Afghan women, violence is not only what is seen or heard, but also the silencing of their voices, the doors closed on their futures, and their rights taken away,” said Georgette Gagnon, Officer in Charge of UNAMA and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan.

She added that while the UN continues to urge the de facto authorities to lift restrictions on women and girls, the international community must also preserve all channels of support.“Despite extraordinary obstacles, Afghan women continue to show remarkable courage, resilience, and leadership in their homes, communities, and civic life,” she said.

However, severe funding cuts have forced the UN and partner organizations to reduce or shut down essential life-saving services. These include protection programmes, primary and mental healthcare, psychosocial support, safe accommodations, emergency aid, legal assistance, and initiatives designed to support women's economic independence. Women-led organizations were hit particularly hard this year, losing one-fifth of their total budgets, with most reporting that they were compelled to scale back their activities.

UN Women's Special Representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson, warned that reduced funding, combined with heightened surveillance and strict restrictions, has severely limited the capacity of women-led groups to reach those most at risk.

“These organizations work courageously at the grassroots level to reach women and girls, and we must not abandon them,” she said.“Afghan women and girls are supporting each other, with the backing of men allies in local communities, and we must continue to stand with them. Their voices and contributions are essential to building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan.”

This year's global campaign theme,“UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the increasing importance of digital connectivity in the lives of Afghan women. For many, online access provides a vital means to seek protection, information, and support. The recent 48-hour internet blackout in Afghanistan demonstrated how deeply women rely on digital access for safety, dignity, and economic survival - and revealed the vulnerabilities of those cut off from communication.

In Afghanistan, the theme for the 16 Days of Activism is“Still Together: Stand with Afghan Women.” The UN says the theme reflects both the resilience of Afghan women and the organization's ongoing commitment to deliver essential services in the country since August 2021.

Throughout the international campaign period, the United Nations in Afghanistan is calling for a series of urgent measures, including:

Renewed global solidarity with Afghan women and girls, and stronger international resolve to support their struggle for rights and dignity;

Increased and flexible funding for gender-based violence prevention and response services;

Robust support for women-led organizations, which the UN describes as indispensable partners in delivering life-saving assistance;

Recognition of digital access as a critical protection tool, along with investment in safe, secure, and inclusive digital spaces for women and girls;

Community-based solutions, including active involvement of male allies and local leaders in preventing and responding to violence.

The UN emphasized that despite worsening conditions and widespread restrictions, Afghan women continue to demonstrate extraordinary strength - and global support remains vital to preserving their safety, rights, and future.