"Many families marry their daughters off at the age of 10": Supporting women through the impacts of natural hazards in Afghanistan

This report examines how natural hazards affect women and men differently in Afghanistan, with a focus on droughts, floods and earthquakes. The research was conducted through a mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys with more than 2,000 people across Afghanistan and qualitative case studies of drought in Faryab, flooding in Baghlan and earthquakes in Herat. The report explores lived experiences, humanitarian needs, preparedness, access to information, and the gendered impacts of natural hazards in a context where climate change, conflict and restrictions on women and girls compound vulnerability.

The report finds that natural hazards have major humanitarian impacts and that women and girls face heightened protection risks, barriers to information, and exclusion from decision-making and assistance. Drought contributes to livelihood loss, migration, child labour and early marriage, while floods and earthquakes create displacement, shelter needs and safety concerns. Communities report limited access to assistance and early warning information, and many feel unprepared for future hazards. The report recommends inclusive preparedness measures, women-led outreach, accessible early warning systems, targeted support for women and girls, and long-term investments in resilient infrastructure and livelihoods.