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Afghan women’s rights activists have long been underfunded. This must change

Rich Western countries like to claim they care about women and girls, but they need to do more – and directly fund those fighting for equality

Afghan women’s rights activists have long been underfunded. This must change
Afghan women vote in the 2009 presidential and parliamentary elections in Mazar-i Sharif, Afghanistan | Cavan Images / Alamy Stock Photo. All rights reserved
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Since the Taliban seized Kabul, many headlines have – rightfully – focused on the possible impact on women and girls in Afghanistan. But too many articles have also uncritically parroted the claims of rich Western countries that their military and aid activities have supported major gains for gender equality in the country.

The facts tell a very different story – and one that should give us all pause.