Australia has condemned the Taliban's decision to ban women from non-government organisations operating on the ground in Afghanistan.
Several international aid groups including Save the Children have suspended in-country operations, saying they cannot effectively reach Afghan people in need without women being involved.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the Taliban's order as "appalling".
"This decision seriously impacts the country's ability to deal with a major humanitarian crisis," she said.
"We support the UN which is leading discussions with the Taliban to annul this decision."
A joint statement by three major aid organisations said millions of Afghans wouldn't have been afforded aid without their female staff.
"Beyond the impact on delivery of lifesaving assistance, this will affect thousands of jobs in the midst of an enormous economic crisis," they said.
"Whilst we gain clarity on this announcement, we are suspending our programmes, demanding that men and women can equally continue our lifesaving assistance in Afghanistan."
The Taliban ban was reportedly ordered because women weren't wearing the Islamic headscarf correctly.
