Several educated youth in Afghanistan consider the lack of job opportunities to be the primary cause of psychological pressure, diminished self-confidence, and growing hopelessness among the younger generation. They say that despite holding university degrees, they face an uncertain future and are deprived of suitable employment. These young people warn that the continuation of this situation not only threatens their career paths but also has widespread psychological and social consequences, pushing them toward social isolation.
Several of these young people, who have been unable to find work despite extensive efforts following the Taliban’s takeover, say that due to unemployment and poverty, they have become isolated from society. According to them, their credibility within their families has diminished, and they have lost their confidence in social settings, which has imposed severe mental and emotional stress upon them.
Ahmad (pseudonym), a 27-year-old graduate of Kabul University’s Faculty of Journalism, considers the restrictions imposed by the Taliban to be the main reason for the lack of viable job markets for journalism. He states, “Given the current restrictions, almost no one can work freely in this profession. As a result, job opportunities have become very limited and weak.”
This young man, who is struggling with mental health issues due to a lack of employment opportunities, adds: “Every day, I feel more and more worthless—both in my family and in society. I feel that I can’t be a useful and good person, and this situation has increased my stress and psychological tension.”
Ahmad continues: “As an educated and unemployed young person, when I see that no suitable job opportunity exists for me, I inevitably think about migration or changing my career path. Sometimes I even consider taking jobs outside my field. This situation is truly impacting my professional path to the extent that I am gradually drifting away from my discipline and expertise.”
Samira (pseudonym), a graduate of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, says: “Unemployment has affected not just me, but my entire family. When you don’t have a job, it negatively impacts your spirit, daily life, and even your relationships with family and those around you. Over time, I’ve distanced myself from my field of study, and now I feel like I’ve forgotten so much.”
Zohra (pseudonym), another unemployed young person, says: “This issue [of unemployment] has affected me and weakened my morale, to the extent that my situation has also become a source of distress for my family. I even considered migration because the circumstances became difficult, and I couldn’t find any work.”
Zohra identifies the Taliban’s discriminatory policies as the main reason behind unemployment and the lack of job opportunities. She says that the closure of schools and universities and the ban on women working in national and international institutions and organizations have not only increased unemployment but also created a severe social and economic crisis in the country.
Young people who have been unable to secure employment under Taliban rule say that the situation has completely derailed their professional paths. Despite years of effort in their specialized fields and the development of their skills, they are now unable to find work in their area of expertise and are forced to either take on unrelated jobs or stay at home.
Moqim, a university professor, states: “Although the job market is declining globally, in Afghanistan, the situation has worsened significantly due to sanctions and economic restrictions. This has negatively affected job opportunities for both educated youth and those without access to education. Unfortunately, until the country’s economy improves and we emerge from under the pressure of sanctions, this situation will persist.”
Meanwhile, international organizations have also warned in their reports about rising anxiety, depression, and psychological disorders among youth in Afghanistan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that widespread unemployment among young people has led to an increase in mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. According to the organization, young people who studied for years under harsh economic and wartime conditions are now confronted with closed doors to employment. This sense of injustice and hopelessness has severely undermined their mental health.
Furthermore, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that rising hopelessness, particularly among young men and women, has been accompanied by an alarming increase in self-harm and even suicide.
In addition, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has stated that unemployment distances young people from their communities, families, and social participation. According to the organization, unemployed individuals, especially those with higher education who have been unable to find suitable employment, often feel that they have no role in society.
Nonetheless, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have reported that unemployment and the lack of career prospects have led to a mass migration of Afghanistan youth and university graduates. On a related note, the UN Women agency has also announced that young educated women, following the bans on education, study, and work, are facing severe depression, isolation, and widespread psychological issues.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
از فشار روانی تا انزوای اجتماعی؛ بیکاری مسیر شغلی جوانان را تغییر میدهد | روزنامه ۸صبح
