According to European Union, the EU’s support for the ACRP now totals £21 million, with an extra £6 million committed. This investment arrives during a period of foreign aid reductions amidst numerous crises, including worsening droughts and floods, the impactful earthquake of August 31, 2025, and the return of over 1.7 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year, many under forced circumstances.

The new £8 million funding elevates the EU’s total investment to £23 million over three and a half years, aimed at providing protection and life-saving services to women and girls. Since March 2023, UN Women has been investing in grassroots women’s civil society organizations across Afghanistan, allowing them to offer essential services such as protection, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities, often through community-based women-only centres. Additionally, UN Women involves men and boys in these communities to ensure collective ownership and support for women’s initiatives. Together, the EU and UN Women are enhancing data and research efforts to amplify the voices of Afghan women, equipping decision-makers with the evidence needed to craft effective, gender-responsive policies and programs.

EU Chargée d’Affaires Veronika Boskovic Pohar emphasized the EU’s commitment through this new funding, stating it is a testament to their unwavering dedication to Afghan women and girls, who are pivotal to their communities. She highlighted that the support aims to empower them through data-driven programs, believing that the full and equal participation of all citizens is crucial for a more prosperous future.

Susan Ferguson, UN Women Afghanistan Special Representative, welcomed the EU’s additional investment, noting that women’s civil society organizations often remain one of the few avenues for Afghan women and girls to safely access necessary services. Ferguson stressed the urgency of investing in their work to help them continue operations.