Across the globe, recent political decisions and conflict dynamics are intensifying pressure on women’s rights. From Afghanistan to West Africa, new data and policies reveal a concerning pattern of regression, exclusion, and systemic inequality.
A global rollback of women’s rights
Recent developments across different regions point to a worrying trend: women’s rights are not only stagnating but, in some contexts, actively being rolled back.In Afghanistan, the Taliban regime has further entrenched restrictions on women’s freedoms. Since returning to power in 2021, authorities have progressively excluded women and girls from public life, including secondary and higher education.
According to UNESCO, more than 1.4 million girls have been deliberately deprived of schooling, bringing the total to nearly 2.5 million. Recent decrees have reinforced the erosion of legal equality, effectively institutionalizing gender-based exclusion.Meanwhile, in the United States, policies with global implications are also reshaping access to rights. Under the administration of Donald Trump, the expansion of the so-called Global Gag Rule has restricted funding to international organizations that provide or even discuss abortion-related services, as well as broader issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and diversity.
This policy has historically had significant ripple effects in regions heavily reliant on international health funding, particularly in West Africa.At the multilateral level, there are also signs of progress. The United Nations, through forums such as the Commission on the Status of Women, has adopted new commitments aimed at improving women’s access to justice. However, the gap between global commitments and local realities remains a major challenge.
Africa: between conflict, exploitation and structural vulnerability
Across Africa, structural inequalities and conflict-related dynamics continue to expose women and girls to heightened risks.In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sexual violence linked to conflict remains alarmingly high. Reports from early 2026 indicate dozens of recorded cases in a single month, with a significant proportion attributed to armed actors, including individuals linked to state structures.
These figures reflect not only the persistence of violence but also the normalization of impunity in fragile contexts.Human trafficking is another critical concern. In sub-Saharan Africa, data from international organizations such as UNODC show that girls represent nearly half of identified survivors of trafficking. This highlights the gendered nature of exploitation, where economic vulnerability, lack of education, and social inequality intersect.These realities underscore a broader issue: crises—whether conflict-related, economic, or climate-driven—tend to disproportionately affect women and girls, reinforcing pre-existing inequalities.
Local realities: policy gaps and the limits of commitment
At the national level, policy responses often reveal a gap between intention and impact.In Côte d’Ivoire, initiatives aimed at supporting women’s economic empowerment, such as funding mechanisms for female entrepreneurs, have been introduced. However, access conditions are frequently criticized for excluding the most vulnerable women—those without formal identification, collateral, or stable income.
At the same time, local mobilizations against gender-based violence continue to emerge. Community actors, activists, and civil society organizations are increasingly calling for stronger accountability mechanisms. Beyond awareness campaigns, there is a growing demand for concrete legal consequences and effective enforcement.
Taken together, these developments reveal a complex and often contradictory global landscape. While international frameworks continue to promote gender equality, political decisions, economic constraints, and social norms are simultaneously undermining progress.Women’s rights, far from being permanently secured, remain deeply contested. Their protection requires not only global commitments but also consistent, inclusive, and accountable action at every level.
