While artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of the most important tools for learning, work, and communication worldwide, it is also gradually finding its place in the daily lives of women in Afghanistan.
Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 20 women in Afghanistan show that AI is mostly used by women in areas such as education—especially language learning—editing writing, content creation, accessing health information, and generating business ideas. However, alongside these opportunities, deep concerns about privacy, data security, and the accuracy of responses have made their experience with AI complex and ambivalent.
These women’s concerns about privacy are consistent with global evidence. According to a 2025 report by the Stanford Institute, incidents related to AI security increased by 56.4% in 2024, reaching 233 documented cases. These include personal data breaches and algorithmic failures that expose sensitive information to risk.
Statistics also show that 40% of organizations have experienced AI-related privacy incidents, and about 70% of people do not trust AI companies to protect their personal data.
At the same time, some women say that using AI is not possible without sharing personal information. According to them, this has created a sense of insecurity and distrust regarding their privacy.
Sodaba Asghari, a resident of Kabul, says, “There must be someone behind it controlling everything. For example, if I need information—whether health-related, educational, or work-related—I have to give my personal information so it can provide what I want in the right format. In some apps, many girls and boys send their photos for editing. This is not an app that is fully under your control. You cannot even delete your photos afterward. That is not privacy.”
Findings also show that some women are concerned about overdependence on this tool and believe that AI use requires awareness and full caution. Farzana, another resident of Kabul, says,
“Sometimes I face challenges such as overdependence or receiving incorrect information. But my biggest concern about AI is security, protection of privacy, and the possibility of misuse of the information I provide to AI. That’s why I try to use it consciously and very carefully.”
According to the report’s findings, the first experience of using AI for many women has been a mix of complexity and excitement. Sanam Waziri, a resident of Kabul, talks about her familiarity with artificial intelligence and her excitement,
“At first, when I wanted to use AI, I was not familiar with it. I heard from friends that it could answer my questions and solve problems. Then I installed an AI application on my phone. In the beginning, it was a bit difficult because I didn’t know how to use it, but later I learned how to use it. Now I am very accustomed to it, and it is very exciting for me.”
Some women say that incorrect or incomplete responses from AI have made it difficult to fully trust this tool. Sadaf Yarmal, also a resident of Kabul, says,
“I once received an interesting response—it said Donald Trump was the former president of the United States, which is completely wrong because he is currently the president of the US. Unfortunately, it gave me an incorrect answer, so I do not trust AI responses 100%. Whenever I hear something from AI, I go and search it on Google as well. I do not have 100% trust in AI responses.”
On the other hand, some women’s rights activists say that women’s access to modern technologies, especially AI, can play a key role in empowering women and building their capacity. Aynor Uzbek, a women’s rights activist, says,
“The impact of AI on Afghan women is very efficient. It strengthens their digital skills as well as their language learning and study skills. Overall, they can gain many things through AI if they use it in a beneficial way.”
Some technology experts say that the emergence of new technologies, especially AI, has opened a new window for change and empowerment for women in Afghanistan. Qarib Aryan, a technology expert, says,
“In Afghanistan, a significant change and opportunity have emerged for women in the field of technology. Women can use AI to complete small tasks at high speed and automatically, and access to information.”
Beyond security concerns, infrastructural challenges have also limited women’s access to AI. Filtering of some applications, high costs, and slow internet speed are among the serious barriers.
Anayatullah Alokozay, spokesperson for the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, says that more than 530 telecommunications sites have been allocated across the country through the governmental budget. More than 300 of these are already in use, while the rest are still under work. He says,
“The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, ATRA Department, has allocated more than 530 telecom sites across Afghanistan, especially in areas that are deprived of telecommunications services. Of these, more than 300 are in use, while the rest are still under work to provide voice communication services, and in some areas the connectivity issue remains. Telecom networks have also expanded to cover remote areas through development budgets.”
The findings of Salam Watandar’s report show that, for women in Afghanistan, AI is neither an absolute opportunity nor a complete threat. Despite the challenges, women are using it to build new pathways while, at the same time, moving forward with caution, doubt, and awareness.
Reporter: Khadija Kohistani
