BAHARAN LAHIB

Afghanistan — On August 15, 2021, the Taliban movement returned to power in Afghanistan after seizing control of the capital, Kabul, beginning a new phase that left deep impacts on Afghan society, particularly on women and girls.

Five years later, the anniversary of the Taliban's return to power does not appear as merely a political milestone in Afghanistan's modern history. The reality of women and girls has changed, as they find themselves facing increasing restrictions and a shrinking public space day after day. Yet despite this, Afghan women's attempts to demand their rights and express their rejection of imposed policies have not ceased, despite the arrests, repression, and violations they have faced.

Regarding the restrictions and violations women have endured over the past five years, Yalda Ahmad, a psychologist and human rights activist in Afghanistan, said: "For five years, unfortunately, the Afghan people, particularly women, have been living under the weight of the Taliban's repressive policies, which have driven the country into one of its darkest phases. During these years, women have faced an extremely harsh reality. In addition to the closure of schools and universities to them, poverty and destitution are spreading across the country. The majority of women were previously breadwinners for their families, but today they are deprived of going to workplaces and practicing the professions they relied on to support their families."

Afghan Women's Awareness Is Stronger Than Taliban Restrictions

She added: "During this period, the Taliban tightened their grip on women through a series of orders and decisions often cloaked in religious and legal guise. Women now face restrictions on leaving their homes, including the requirement of a male guardian (mahram). These policies have contributed to the normalization of practices such as polygamy and child marriage."

She noted that "in the absence of accountability and serious investigation, women and children are daily subjected to more forms of domestic violence, while perpetrators of these crimes escape punishment."

Regarding Afghan women's struggle and the sacrifices they have made, she said: "Despite all this injustice, repression, and violations, Afghan women have not remained silent and have not surrendered. They have continued their resistance and struggle through various means and with whatever resources available to them. They have taken to the streets and organized protests, but they have faced severe repression from the Taliban—many women have been arrested and tortured in prisons, subjected to harassment and assaults, and violations against some have escalated to rape and killing."

Regarding mandatory hijab, Yalda Ahmad said: "Mandatory hijab is one of the laws imposed by the Taliban, and women in Afghanistan are forced to comply with it." She noted that "recently, we have witnessed the shooting of a number of women in the streets of Herat, Kabul, and some other provinces, on the pretext of non-compliance with hijab according to Taliban standards, resulting in the death of some. These incidents are a stain on those who, before the Taliban came to power, claimed that the movement had changed and no longer resembled the Taliban of its early phase."

Women Continue Their Struggle Against Taliban Repression

She believes that the change in the Taliban lies in the fact that "their crimes, brutality, and hostility toward women have grown greater. But I am certain that women have changed—they have become more aware and know how to defend their rights. Despite the many barriers and walls before them, and despite the fact that this struggle has cost some their lives, they have continued to resist and struggle during this period, never forgetting their issues for a moment. With pride and honor, they are working to draw a better future for their people and for other women."

In concluding her remarks, Yalda Ahmad said she believes that no external force, except the people themselves, can cause the collapse or disintegration of a tyrannical, oppressive, and brutal regime. "I am certain that the power of the people, especially women, will one day come and demolish the pillars and foundations of the tyranny, injustice, and repression practiced by the Taliban. Afghan women and the Afghan people will see the face of happiness and freedom, and we hope that day will come soon."