A devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake has killed more than 2,200 people and injured 3,600 in eastern Afghanistan, but rescue efforts for women are being severely obstructed by Taliban-enforced gender rules. The tragedy is compounded by a strict “no skin contact with unrelated males” policy, which has left many women trapped, untreated, or ignored under rubble.
Male rescue teams hesitate to touch unrelated female victims, often prioritising men and children while injured women are left waiting for care. One volunteer noted, "it felt like women were invisible". This dire situation is exacerbated by a critical shortage of female health workers, a direct result of the Taliban’s 2023 ban on women pursuing medical education. Survivors report that in some cases, women remained buried until other women from neighbouring areas arrived to help.
The broader humanitarian response is also crippled by difficult terrain, damaged roads, and severe funding shortfalls. In devastated villages like Wadeer, survivors lack basic food, shelter, and medical support. “I lost my husband, my sons, my grandchildren,” said one woman who lost over 30 relatives. “All I have left is this cloth”.
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