The World Food Program (WFP) reports that earning opportunities for women in Afghanistan have become increasingly difficult over time.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the Taliban, women have been banned from many jobs and barred from working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or receiving education beyond the sixth grade for the past three years.

On Friday, November 8, the WFP released a video that highlights the hardships Afghan women face in earning an income.

The video features a woman who, along with her sisters, has started a home-based bakery to support her family and provides bread to 2,000 children attending schools supported by the WFP.

The ban on employment and exclusion from education has placed immense economic pressure on Afghan families. Women are struggling with multiple challenges as they try to make ends meet in a country where opportunities for them are severely limited.

The increasing marginalization of women in Afghanistan is contributing to a dire humanitarian crisis. With their access to education and employment restricted, many women are forced into vulnerable positions.

The WFP’s video highlights not only the resilience of Afghan women but also the severe limitations placed upon them as they fight for survival.

As women are forced into a corner by the Taliban’s policies, issues like forced and underage marriage have become more prevalent. Families, struggling with poverty and the lack of opportunities, may see marriage as a way to alleviate economic hardship, further undermining the rights and future prospects of young girls in Afghanistan.

The ongoing violation of women’s rights in Afghanistan amid a dire economic and humanitarian crisis continues to deepen the country’s gender inequality. With no immediate prospects for change, the situation for women in Afghanistan remains bleak, as they face systematic exclusion and growing poverty, while the international community’s support for their rights and welfare remains critical.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that an Indian representative recently visited Kabul to discuss the use of Chabahar Port to strengthen economic ties and provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

During a press conference in Delhi on Thursday, Jaiswal shared details of the Indian delegation’s visit to Afghanistan.

J.P. Singh, head of the Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran division at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, led the delegation to Kabul, where they held discussions with Taliban officials.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday that Defense Minister Yaqoob Mujahid met with J.P. Singh to discuss mutual interests and the potential for expanding bilateral relations.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, also met with J.P. Singh and expressed a desire for further development of relations between the Taliban administration and New Delhi.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged the Indian delegation to increase its support for Afghan education and to promote trade exchanges between India and Afghanistan.

The Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that the meetings focused on humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and discussed how the Chabahar Port could be utilized by Afghanistan’s businesses for trade, export, and import activities.

Jaiswal emphasized that providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan remains a crucial part of India’s assistance program, noting that India has already sent several shipments of wheat to the country.

While India has reestablished a presence in Kabul to support humanitarian efforts, formal diplomatic relations with the current Taliban regime have not been established, and India has not officially recognized the Taliban government.

Due to the lack of official diplomatic ties, Afghan students and patients face difficulties obtaining Indian visas to pursue education or medical treatment, as visa restrictions continue to affect access to essential services.

India’s commitment to humanitarian support underscores its ongoing dedication to the people of Afghanistan. However, the absence of official recognition and limited visa access reflect the complex and cautious nature of India’s engagement with Afghanistan under the current regime.

The Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) warned that the risk of terrorism spreading in Central Asia remains persistent.

Imangali Tasmagambetov emphasized that the CSTO continues to monitor the challenges and threats emanating from Afghanistan.

On Thursday, November 7, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that Tasmagambetov, referring to Afghanistan, stated that the threats of expanding terrorist activities, illegal migration, and the trafficking of weapons and drugs still exist in Central Asia.

Tasmagambetov also announced that the CSTO’s counter-terrorism center and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) would deepen their cooperation to prevent potential dangers by utilizing shared resources and capabilities.

Simultaneously, Sergei Lebedev, Secretary-General of the CIS, expressed support for the CSTO’s proposal to establish a security belt around Afghanistan. Lebedev voiced hope that this initiative would help curb terrorist group activities in the region.

The CSTO had previously declared, about two weeks ago, that it would soon approve a plan to strengthen Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan.

This plan aims to enhance regional security by fortifying one of the key borders at risk of illegal crossings and potential terrorist infiltration from Afghanistan.

The escalation in preventive measures reflects the growing concern among CSTO and CIS members regarding the stability of Central Asia and the impact of threats from Afghan territories.

These efforts underscore the CSTO’s strategy to create a collaborative defense against terrorism, illegal migration, and trafficking to maintain peace and stability in Central Asia.

The recent surge in ISIS attacks and other terrorist group activities in the region has heightened security concerns, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated regional responses.

As tensions escalate, the presence of these groups is increasingly destabilizing, leading regional powers to intensify their focus on counter-terrorism initiatives and cross-border security.

The continuous threats from ISIS and other militant organizations in Central Asia pose serious risks, demanding enhanced cooperation and vigilance from regional security alliances to safeguard peace and stability in the area.