BEHARAN LEHİB

Kabul- In 2001, the cultural monuments in the Bamiyan valley were destroyed by the Taliban. The Taliban didn’t only destroy the statues; they also destroyed the lives of many people in the city, they keep destroying their lives. The only university in the city was destroyed due to the attacks of the Taliban and the USA. Hundreds of men were killed in the 2001s so the women of the province have to work for themselves and their families but they are not allowed to work now by the Taliban.

Afghanistan’s most beautiful city

Bamyan has a completely different view in Afghanistan with its historical structure and geographical beauty. The women of Bamyan have played an important role in the history of the city as the first engineers, mathematicians, and doctors.  We spoke to the women of Bamyan about their lives before and after the Taliban.

“Women have to stay at home”

Women's Rights activist Fatemeh Hosseini told us the lives of women in the city had been better before the Taliban. “Women could go to school, attend vocational training programs, different activities and work. Since the Taliban took control of the city, women have to stay at home. You could see many women in public spaces but now you see no women. Women used to represent their country in sports. There are businesswomen, female artisans and drivers but they all have been confined to their homes now.”

“Women need motivation”

Activist Fatemeh Hosseini said that the Taliban regime is trying to create a great fear in the city by banning women from working and going to school, destroying historical sites, provoking hate crimes, bullying and religious discrimination. “These crimes should be seen. Most of the activist women left the country. The women, who don’t leave the country, have to remain silent in political, cultural and social life. Afghan women need motivation now.”