By Clemence Velon-Bazzana, Communication Associate
Latifa Jafari Alavi – 2024 RWI Research Fellow – delivered on December 5, 2025, an online discussion about the policy brief she published during her fellowship. In his opening remark, Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan and RWI Visiting Professor, briefly introduced Latifa’s research, emphasizing the focus on intersectionality and vulnerabilities that have been exacerbated by restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
“This is not only a medical crisis, but a profound gender justice and human rights emergency”
Based on 31 interviews conducted over several months, Latifa’s research concluded that women’s chances of survival during pregnancy are determined not only by medical need, but also by social identity factors such as class, age, disability, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
Maternal mortality in a collapsing health system
Afghanistan is currently facing a significant crisis in its public hospitals – already fragile prior the Taliban’s regime. Most health centers are now overcrowded, under-equipped and under-staffed, particularly in rural areas.
“Ambulances are rarely available, and families often must arrange transport. Women in labor frequently travel between 2 and 15 hours to reach a hospital – often arriving too late”
Inside hospitals, inequalities persist. With not enough pediatrician available, doctors are often forced to choose between newborns to treat, resulting in the death of some of them. Access to healthcare for pregnant women largely depends on their ability to pay, becoming a matter of income, rather than medical needs.
Medical fear and denied care for minorities
Not only is the healthcare system in Afghanistan weak, but it is also built on fear. In her webinar, Latifa highlights that doctors are often forced to act out of fear rather than medical necessity, particularly regarding abortion and contraception. While requests for abortion are increasing due to poverty and sexual violence, staff are instructed by the authorities to deny this right, even if the life of the women is in danger.
Ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals also face strong restrictions on their right to access healthcare. Latifa shared with us the example of a trans man from Kabul, reported being misgendered, harassed, and denied care, forced to flee the country.
Everyday resistance and call to action
Despite the conditions, Latifa emphasizes the resistance of Afghan women and marginalized communities.
“They are not passive victims, but active agents of resilience. Yet resilience cannot replace rights or justice.”
The webinar concluded with a dynamic Q&A session during which participants raised questions on both substantive and methodological aspects of Latifa’s research. The lively discussion created thoughtful exchanges among participants, sharing perspectives, and reflecting challenges of conducting research in such a highly restrictive context. To address all these issues, Latifa’s makes important recommendations at different levels.
- At the national and local level, health authorities must prioritize the rebuilding of a functioning and equitable public system. This includes restoring free maternal healthcare, ensuring the consistent availability of essential medicines, and guaranteeing full, unrestricted access to medical and health education for women and girls
- International stakeholders and donors are urged to prevent further deterioration by supporting mobile clinics, funding secure telemedicine platforms, and implementing maternal health programs that combine medical care with food security, climate resilience, and support for displaced women. International community also have the responsibility of reminding the Taliban of international legal obligations, including under international treaties such as CEDAW and Human Rights Council processes.
- Civil society and human rights organizations play a vital role in documenting and reporting maternal health violations, amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, and promoting inclusive health education.
- Finally, the private sector by partnering with NGOs, can help to reduce inequalities and expand services into underserved areas, meanwhile, academic and research institutions are encouraged to strengthen the evidence base through intersectional research and regional collaboration.
Overall, this webinar underscored the urgency of addressing Afghanistan’s maternal health crisis, implementing coordinated action across national institutions, international actors and civil society. It also emphasizes that while Afghan women’s resilience is significant, it cannot replace rights, justice, and structural reform and for this reason, sustainable progress will depend on long-term international commitment, political accountability, and a consistent focus.
To read Latifa Jafari Alavi full policy brief click here.
Learn more about RWI’s Afghanistan Programme: https://rwi.lu.se/afghanistan-programme/
Drawing by Sofia Bartolini.