Silenced Voices: The Ongoing Fight for Inclusive Economy in Afghanistan

During the recent talks in Doha, the Taliban received praise for their cooperation with the international community, although Indonesia is still pushing for a more inclusive economy in Afghanistan. This call comes as women’s rights continue to be limited under the rule of the Islamist group.

At the Meeting of Special Envoys on Afghanistan in Doha, diplomats from over two dozen countries gathered to discuss the country’s economy and private sector development. However, Afghan women were not allowed to attend at the Taliban’s insistence, raising concerns about the exclusion of important voices in the conversation.

The Foreign Minister of Indonesia highlighted the importance of an inclusive private sector in Afghanistan for the country’s future. Jakarta has expressed its willingness to connect female entrepreneurs in Indonesia with their counterparts in Afghanistan to help support economic growth.

The Afghan economy has been struggling for almost three years, facing challenges such as high unemployment, collapsing GDP, and price deflation. The private sector, particularly small and women-owned businesses, has been hit hard and is vulnerable to closure. The Taliban’s restrictions on female participation further exacerbate these economic issues.