The Impact of UN-Habitat’s Work on Women and Girls Living in informal Settlements

 Since 1992, UN-Habitat has been working in Afghanistan to improve living conditions for people in vulnerable situations. While cities grew fast in recent years due to conflict-induced displacement, it is now climate change (reducing agricultural livelihoods), forced displacement from neighboring countries, and a large number of people in protracted internal displacement contexts which have resulted in rapid urban growth. A recent study found that Kabul’s built-up area expanded by 72% between 2008 and 2021. And cities keep growing.

Many people in vulnerable situations settle in informal, unplanned and underserviced areas of cities – often in high-risk locations prone to flooding, landslides, and water shortages. Also, inadequate housing, no waste management, absence of sanitation and constant risk of forced evictions add to those challenges. Women are most impacted by inadequate housing conditions, the lack of proper sanitation and hygiene, being responsible for providing water for the family, and the absence of basic services in those informal settlements.

Read more to discover how UN-Habitat's work shapes women's lives in Afghanistan.