The Gender Digital Divide and Education in Afghanistan: A Review

Amidst the strides the global society has made in digitalization, Afghanistan faces profound obstacles on its journey to embrace the digital era and foster a digital society, particularly for women. The current Afghan government, headed by the Taliban regime, effectively curtails women’s access to education, the Internet, and digital advancements. As underscored by the United Nations gender inequality index, Afghanistan ranks 157th among 162 countries in gender equality, reflecting its daunting challenges for women. The World Economic Forum also highlights a distressing gender digital divide within the nation. Faced with these disquieting realities, it becomes imperative to confront and narrow this divide in a collaborative endeavor. Acknowledging our shared responsibility, we can take substantial strides toward fostering gender parity and bolstering digital inclusivity in Afghanistan. This research seeks to pinpoint social and economic barriers and propose targeted solutions rooted in the most pressing needs.