UN WOMEN: After return: Rebuilding livelihoods for Afghan women

Every day, Afghan women and girls return to Afghanistan after leaving their lives in Iran or Pakistan behind. Many have been forced to leave their homes, livelihoods and communities abruptly, returning – without resources, assets or support – to a country already facing an economic crisis and where opportunities for women to work or build their skills are extremely limited. While urgent humanitarian needs must continue to be met, it is equally important to invest in longer-term solutions as women rebuild their lives. Without access to livelihoods, financial services and markets, Afghan women returnees face a higher risk of poverty, exploitation and harmful coping strategies. This study on the economic reintegration of Afghan women returnees identifies structural barriers to their economic participation and evidence-based programme options to improve their access to livelihoods. The report suggests actionable recommendations to enhance women returnees’ economic absorption within the Afghan economy, and to reinforce social cohesion with host communities.