<![CDATA[This study examines the failure to implement international standards in addressing the health security of Afghan women following the Taliban regime’s takeover in 2021. Although Afghanistan ratified CEDAW in 2003, policies implemented at the domestic level have systematically restricted women’s access to health services, including a ban on working as healthcare workers, restrictions on mobility without a male guardian (mahram), and the closure of health centers. This study employs a qualitative approach and descriptive-analytical data analysis. The theoretical framework used is Acharya’s “norm localization,” combined with a constructivist perspective to explain why international norms have failed to be implemented. The results indicate that this failure is not due to weaknesses in international legal mechanisms, but rather to the absence of a norm localization process at the domestic level. The Taliban, as a local actor, refused to build congruence between CEDAW and the local values they adhere to, resulting in a total rejection of international norms. Consequently, the health of Afghan women has deteriorated drastically, as reflected in the high rate of anemia among pregnant women (31.6%) and widespread malnutrition. This study recommends a bottom-up approach that builds the capacity of local actors, as well as the separation of humanitarian aid from political recognition of the Taliban.]]>
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