BAHARAN LAHIB

Kabul- Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, Afghan women have faced more oppression. In addition to oppression, Afghan women are deprived of their rights and in risk of being killed, raped and kidnapped. In the interview with NuJINHA, Yalda Ahmed, a women’s rights activist and psychologist in Afghanistan, emphasized the importance of women’s unity against oppression.

‘I salute all resisting people’

“On the International Women’s Day, I salute all resisting people, particularly the resisting women in Afghanistan and Iran, who have been going through a difficult time. As Afghan and Iranian women, we welcome the International Women’s Day while violence, misery and oppression increase in our countries,” Yalda Ahmed said.

Afghan women fight oppression

 “In my country, women have been fighting violence and oppression for years,” Yalda Ahmed said, “Since the Taliba seized power in Afghanistan, women have been banned from schools and universities; they cannot even go out without a male guardian. The Taliban forces use violence against women when they want to stage a peaceful protest.”

‘Poverty and misery have been rampant in Afghanistan’

Yalda Ahmed provides psychological support to women suffering from trauma due to crimes, violence, and social oppression. “Poverty and misery have been rampant in Afghanistan. Women used to be the breadwinners for their families; however, they are not allowed to work today and their children and family members die of hunger. Due to poverty, they have to sell their children to keep other family members alive. The first victims of this tragedy are children and women. We all know that the only way to root out all forms of oppression is women’s struggle,” she told us.

 'Women should unite'

Yalda Ahmed concluded her speech saying, “Women can root out all forms of oppression with solidarity by raising awareness. Women all around the world should unite to fight all forms of oppression.”