426 Million Women and Girls Face Extreme Poverty Worldwide, UN Warns

Around 426 million women and girls worldwide are expected to be living in extreme poverty in 2026, according to UN Women, highlighting persistent barriers to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

In a warning marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the UN agency called on governments to increase investment in education, healthcare and social protection to improve the lives of women and girls.

In Afghanistan, restrictions imposed on women’s education and employment since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 have further reduced economic opportunities for many women.

Being excluded from the labour market not only undermines women’s financial independence but also threatens household incomes, making it more difficult for families to afford essential needs such as food, education and healthcare.

International organisations have repeatedly highlighted the importance of women’s participation in economic activities in reducing poverty and improving family living conditions.

The growing economic challenges facing women underline the wider consequences of gender inequality, as barriers to women’s employment and financial independence can affect entire families and communities.