UN Women Appeals for $2.5 Million to Support Afghan Earthquake-Affected Women and Girls

With winter drawing closer, thousands of women and girls impacted by the devastating earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan continue to face dire conditions, struggling to access humanitarian assistance and essential services. UN Women has launched an appeal for USD 2.5 million to expand a six to twelve-month emergency response and recovery plan designed to scale up women’s participation in relief efforts and increase their access to life-saving aid. This initiative, carried out in partnership with women-led organizations, will contribute directly to the broader Earthquake Response Plan coordinated by OCHA.

Since the first earthquake struck on 31 August, followed by several aftershocks, UN Women and its partners have worked to ensure women’s involvement in joint assessment teams. This approach has made it possible to identify the most urgent needs of women and girls, which include access to safe shelter, warm clothing, food, cash assistance, health services, and psychosocial support. However, despite these efforts, many women remain unable to access help. Social restrictions and cultural norms often prevent them from moving freely, and the shortage of women humanitarian workers further limits their ability to seek support.

The new response plan focuses on addressing these barriers by partnering with women-led organizations across Kunar province. Planned interventions include the distribution of essential supplies such as blankets, winter clothing, and cooking utensils, which are critical for families still living in tents or makeshift shelters. Cash assistance will be provided to allow families to meet urgent needs, while protection services—including mental health and psychosocial support—will help women cope with trauma. In addition, the plan will establish safe spaces for women and girls, offering them a secure environment to access humanitarian support and community resources.

UN Women’s appeal seeks to close a USD 2.5 million funding gap within a USD 3.5 million package aimed at supporting 30,000 individuals, primarily women and girls, over the next 6 to 12 months. The funding will also include USD 80,000 to ensure Afghan women’s active participation in the response. This portion will go toward analyzing the specific needs of women and girls, mapping gaps in support, and building the capacity of UN and NGO partners to ensure safe and effective outreach to affected communities.

Susan Ferguson, UN Women’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, stressed that although the initial tremors have passed, the long-term impact remains severe for women and girls. “The major shocks from the earthquake may have passed, but the women and girls who are impacted face a long-term disaster without more urgent assistance,” she said.

The situation highlights the urgent need for international solidarity and immediate funding to prevent further suffering as winter sets in. For the women and girls of Kunar province, timely support could mean the difference between survival in harsh conditions and the deepening of an already critical humanitarian crisis.