Ferguson: Afghan returnee women and girls face increasing threats

KABUL: The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women has reported that Afghan women and girls returning from other countries are facing unprecedented restrictions, poverty, early marriage, and violence. Susan Ferguson, the agency’s special representative, stated that returning women are particularly vulnerable and emphasized the need for dedicated budgets to ensure timely support for their issues. A lack of shelter for returnees has been identified as a fundamental problem, with reports indicating that only 10% of families headed by women have access to permanent housing.