The US State Department reiterated its unwavering commitment to the equal rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, emphasizing it as a cornerstone of its policy towards the nation. Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel affirmed this stance during a recent press conference, underscoring it as the guiding principle for US engagement. However, concerns persist regarding the Taliban’s treatment of women. The United Nations Women’s Department reported that the Taliban has issued numerous directives directly impacting women, with none rescinded to date. Additionally, a joint survey conducted by UN agencies revealed widespread fear and apprehension among women regarding Taliban rule. The latest annual report from the United Nations Development Program highlights the pervasive discrimination and economic challenges faced by Afghan women. Operational limitations and a fragile financial system have compelled a significant portion of women entrepreneurs to resort to loans. Moreover, the report underscores the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, hindering women’s mobility and economic participation. Despite these obstacles, the UNDP notes that Afghan women are resiliently adapting to navigate these challenges. Patel echoed this sentiment, affirming that the exclusion of half the population from societal and economic participation undermines the Taliban’s legitimacy aspirations. This underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies to ensure the advancement of women’s rights in Afghanistan.