Afghan Women’s Freedom Crushed Under Taliban Rule

Kokcha News Agency – The situation for Afghan women has drastically worsened since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The Taliban have imposed harsh restrictions, effectively erasing women from public life and depriving them of fundamental rights. Here’s a concise overview of the current state of women’s rights under Taliban rule:

1. Education:
   • Girls are banned from attending secondary schools (beyond sixth grade) and universities, making Afghanistan the only country in the world with such prohibitions.
   • Nearly 80% of young Afghan women aged 18–29 are not in education, employment, or training.
2. Employment:
   • Women are barred from most jobs, including civil service, NGOs, and sectors like beauty salons, leading to one of the largest workforce gender gaps globally.
   • Only 25% of women are working or seeking work, compared to 90% of men.
3. Freedom of Movement:
   • Women cannot travel without a male guardian, access public spaces like parks or gyms, or leave their homes without fully covering their bodies, including their faces.
   • A 2024 “morality law” enforces these restrictions, with over 3,300 Taliban enforcers monitoring compliance.
4. Expression and Safety:
   • Women are prohibited from speaking loudly, singing, or reading in public, and face increased risks of gender-based violence, with reduced support services.
   • Mental health issues are rampant, with 68% of women reporting poor mental health and 8% knowing someone who attempted suicide.
5. Punishments:
   • Harsh penalties like flogging and stoning for alleged violations, such as adultery, have been reported.
   • Women face imprisonment, torture, and public humiliation for defying Taliban rules.
6. Resistance and Exile:
   • Despite the oppression, Afghan women continue to resist through underground education, small businesses, and advocacy.
   • Many, like Samia Sherzad, have fled to neighboring countries, facing risks of deportation and violence.
   • Over 3.1 million Afghan women are now refugees, a sharp rise since 2021.

The United Nations and human rights groups have labeled this a “gender apartheid” crisis, with activists urging global action to recognize and address these violations as crimes against humanity. Afghan women continue to show resilience, running secret schools or protesting, but they face immense challenges.