Jakarta Pushes for Inclusion in Afghanistan’s Economy, Despite Taliban’s Limitations on Women’s Rights

In Doha, the Taliban received praise for their cooperation with the international community during recent talks, but Indonesia is still pushing for a more inclusive economy in Afghanistan. This call comes as women’s rights continue to be limited under the rule of the Islamist group.

The Foreign Minister of Indonesia highlighted the importance of an inclusive private sector in Afghanistan for the country’s future. Jakarta has expressed its willingness to connect female entrepreneurs in Indonesia with their counterparts in Afghanistan to help support economic growth.

Diplomats from over two dozen countries gathered at the Meeting of Special Envoys on Afghanistan in Doha to discuss the country’s economy and private sector development. However, Afghan women were not allowed to attend at the Taliban’s insistence, raising concerns about excluding important voices in the conversation. The Afghan economy has been struggling for almost three years, facing challenges such as high unemployment, collapsing GDP, and price deflation. The private sector, particularly small and women-owned businesses, has been hit hard and is vulnerable to closure. The Taliban’s restrictions on female participation further exacerbate these economic issues.