As the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, after two decades of occupation, the Taliban swiftly returned to power. In the wake of their resurgence, the hard-fought freedoms women enjoyed for a brief period are rapidly vanishing. We delve deep into the current state of women in Afghanistan and explore the stark realities they face under the draconian rule of the Taliban.
The Taliban’s Emergence and Rule
The Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group, first emerged in Afghanistan in the early 1990s, following a grueling decade-long war with the Soviets. The trauma and displacement resulting from the conflict led many Afghan freedom fighters to seek refuge in the hard-line religious beliefs and rhetoric propagated by the Taliban. Slowly, they organized themselves, gaining control of rural areas across the country. By 1996, they had seized power, establishing a regime characterized by extreme interpretations of Sharia, or Islamic law.
During their rule from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban enforced a strict and austere version of Islamic law. They banned the practice of other religions, along with television, movies, and music. However, it was women and girls who bore the brunt of their draconian policies. They were stripped of their rights, forbidden from working or pursuing an education. A strict dress code, including the burka, was mandatory. Women could not use public transport and needed a male family member as an escort in public spaces. They were entirely subservient to their husbands and other male family members.
A Brief Period of Hope
In 2001, the landscape shifted when American forces entered Afghanistan in pursuit of Osama Bin Laden. Over the next two decades, the Taliban transformed into insurgents, engaging in battles against international troops and the newly established, more democratic government. During this time, women regained their right to work and education. They even began serving as politicians, judges, and diplomats. It was a period of hope and progress.
However, in 2021, history repeated itself as the Americans withdrew, and the Taliban regained control. The new government initially promised to respect women’s rights and grant them freedoms. But, it became evident that the Taliban’s leaders were determined to erase women and girls from public life, driven by their interpretation of Sharia Law. Women were removed from government and judicial positions, undoing the progress made over the previous two decades.
The Grim Reality Today
Today, the situation for women in Afghanistan has deteriorated rapidly. They are no longer allowed to work, except in rare cases, primarily in medical roles. Girls aged 11 and older have been barred from attending school. Additionally, reporting crimes, such as spousal abuse, has become nearly impossible for women, as the Taliban-installed Sharia judges exhibit strong biases against them. Instances of injustice, as witnessed by Isobel Yeung, further illustrate the dire circumstances, where judges favor abusive husbands over the victims who present medical evidence.
The dire situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The country’s economy has ground to a halt due to UN-imposed economic sanctions. Malnutrition claims the lives of hundreds of children daily, while women and children lack access to critical medical and health services. Survivors of these dire circumstances face a bleak future, and Afghanistan continues to earn its grim title as the “Worst Place in the World to be a Woman.”
Six months after the Taliban’s resurgence, the erosion of women’s rights in Afghanistan is a tragic reality. The promise of progress and freedom has given way to a harsh and oppressive regime. It is imperative to shine a light on these issues and work towards a better future for the women of Afghanistan, who deserve to live their lives with dignity, respect, and equality.
Loading...
