International Women’s Day

On this International Women’s Day, it is crucial to highlight the plight of Afghan women who continue to face severe restrictions and violations of their basic rights. Here are some distressing facts about the current situation:

1. Education Restrictions:

   • Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, they have banned girls from accessing secondary school education and beyond. This prohibition severely hampers the educational progress of Afghan girls, preventing them from pursuing higher studies and professional careers.

   • Last year, no girl graduated from twelfth grade, which poses a significant obstacle for their future prospects, especially in fields like medicine and technical education1.

2. Workplace Limitations:

   • The Taliban have limited women’s freedom of movement outside the home and prohibited most women from working in public and private sector workplaces, including international aid organizations like the United Nations.

   • Female aid workers are barred from contributing to relief activities, despite the fact that more than 12 million Afghan women require humanitarian assistance this year1.

3. Economic Hardship:

   • The U.N. Development Program (UNDP) reported that nearly 70% of Afghans do not have enough basic resources. The economic situation has worsened since the Taliban takeover, with the Afghan economy contracting by 27%, and unemployment rates doubling.

   • The ban on female aid workers has further undermined relief efforts, leaving vulnerable women without essential support1.

4. Dress Code and Travel Restrictions:

   • Afghan women are required to adhere to a strict dress code and are not permitted to travel more than 75 kilometers without a mahram (a male relative).

   • These restrictions have left many women feeling invisible, isolated, and suffocated, as they are effectively confined to their homes2.

5. Political Participation and Ministry of Women’s Affairs:

   • There are no women in the Afghan cabinet, and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs no longer exists, effectively erasing women’s right to political participation3.

6. Language and Solidarity:

   • The U.N. refers to the Taliban as “de facto authorities” because no foreign government has formally recognized their government in Kabul. However, this euphemism has upset human rights groups and Afghan women who vehemently oppose granting legitimacy to the Taliban until all bans on women are lifted.

   • It is essential for diplomats, the UN, and aid workers to stand in solidarity with Afghan women and advocate for their rights1.

The situation remains dire, and urgent efforts are needed to ensure that Afghan women regain their basic rights, dignity, and freedom. 🌸🕊️

According to UNSDG reports, Afghanistan has lost over 5 billion dollars since the Taliban excluded women from society and activities. Link