The European Union Delegation in Afghanistan on Tuesday expressed solidarity with Afghan women as it joined the global “Orange the World” campaign.

In a message posted on X on 25 November, the EU commended Afghan women for what it described as their resilience in the face of ongoing challenges and their determination to build a peaceful and prosperous country.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on 25 November to raise awareness of gender-based violence, strengthen support systems for women and promote a culture of prevention.

Human rights organisations continue to describe Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as one of the most repressive environments in the world for women. The exclusion of women from education, employment, public life and political participation, along with sweeping restrictions on their movement and presence in public spaces, remain defining features of life under Taliban rule.

Several governments, international bodies and women’s rights advocates have characterised the Taliban’s policies, including the systematic removal of women from social, cultural and political spheres, as amounting to “gender apartheid.”

The United Nations has previously reported that, four years into Taliban rule, Afghan women are living shorter and less healthy lives, with the group having issued nearly 100 edicts targeting women and girls, resulting in severe and lasting harm.