Women in Afghanistan
- Tarini Puri
- Nov 6, 2021
- 3 min read
Daily life for Afghan women has changed extremely.
The situation changed after 1992, particularly following the Taliban’s capture of Kabul in 1996.
1. Authorities closed down girls' schools; thus, it was feared
that almost 1 million children would miss out on education.
2. Women were forced to give up employment in nearly all
occupations.
3. Strong penalties were applied against women who were
not fully covered on the streets or who were found in the
company of males unrelated to them.
4. During the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan during the late
1990s, the Islamist militants publicly beat up those who dared
to venture outside without covering their entire bodies.
As ample evidence suggests, there
is a very real chance that history might repeat itself.
In fact, existing evidence suggests that history might already be
repeating itself.
1. In terms of education, the all-male interim government
announced a set of rules to be followed by female students.
2. Women are expected to follow a strict dress code as
accepted by the Taliban's interpretation of Islam and were
forced to wear a hijab while attending classes, segregated from
the male students.
3. The government has also created separate entrances for
males and females.
4. According to the Associated Press news agency, the Taliban's
interim Kabul Mayor Hamdullah Namony declared that female
employees have been ordered to stay home, pending a further
decision.
How can you help?
There is no doubt that the situation right now is overwhelming even to
read about. You might wish that you could help, but think that there's
nothing you can do from your homes. Fortunately, there are some
things that you could do:
1. The International Rescue Committee (IRC):
• It helps people whose lives have been disrupted by war, conflict,
and natural disasters around the world.
• IRC is appealing for funding to help them continue to deliver aid
to support children and families in Afghanistan.
• You can help them continue their work by donating
2. The Women's Peace & Humanitarian
Fund (WPHF):
• It is an innovative partnership empowering local women to be a
force for crisis response and lasting peace.
• WPHF is supporting local women's organizations in Afghanistan to
sustain their work on the front lines of conflict and crisis. Donate
3. Global Fund for Women:
• It is a leading fund of gender justice organizations and movements
worldwide.
• They are funding gender justice groups in Afghanistan and are
working to protect and relocate women human rights defenders
who are in danger. Donate - join.globalfundforwomen.org
Conclusion
"Because of the Taliban, Afghanistan has become a prison for women. We haven't got any human rights. We don't have the right to go outside, to go to work, to look after our children.” ~ Faranos Nazir
If you are feeling anxious or helpless watching news updates about Afghanistan, especially the situation of women in the country then you are not alone. The Taliban are trying to convince women that they will be safe under their rule, but the composition of the interim government, newly enforced rules and restrictions, and the gradual reversion to the same oppressive age-old practices, all tell another story. We can't remain silent as the Taliban continues to deny women basic human rights. The world must not look away as the Taliban enslaves women physically and mentally. The women in Afghanistan need our support and help now more than ever. Together, we can make a difference when we stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan and support their freedom, rights, and liberation.
✏️: @shravani_gadgil, @shreya_choudhary, @jasmeet_kaur & @ishani_jaiswal
🎨: @divya_pappu & @tarini_puri
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