Plight of Afghan women and girls demands urgent global response

The aftermath of the embarrassing US withdrawal from Afghanistan has left the country in turmoil, with its citizens, especially women and girls, facing an uncertain and grim future under the oppressive Taliban regime. The hard-line Islamic rulers have a notorious history of brutally suppressing women’s rights, and their resurgence has sparked widespread concern about Afghan women’s safety, freedom and dignity.

The dilemma of Afghan women under the Taliban’s rule demands international attention and urgent action. Severe restrictions on women and girls marked the Taliban’s rule from 1996 to 2001. Women were confined to their homes, denied access to education, and forbidden from working outside their households. Public executions and severe punishments were imposed on those who dared to challenge these oppressive norms.

The mere sight of a woman’s ankle was considered immodest and deserving of punishment. Such atrocities perpetrated against women in the past indicate the grave threats they are currently facing with the Taliban’s return to power. Reports of atrocities against women have started to emerge. Once again, the radical government has imposed severe restrictions on girls’ education, prohibiting those over the age of 12 from attending formal schooling. Additionally, they have virtually eliminated opportunities for girls to work in most professions, severely limiting their economic prospects.

In public spaces, girls are now subject to movement restrictions and can venture out only when accompanied by an adult male relative. In a recent wave of oppression, the Taliban ordered the closure of beauty salons across the country, further curtailing Afghan women’s ability to interact with society and earn a livelihood. This move significantly limited women’s autonomy and economic independence, as beauty salons represented one of the few avenues for them to engage in business activities.

The treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan has become a cause for global concern.

Dalia Al-Aqidi

Despite continuous pressure from various international entities, including the US, UN and multiple countries, the Taliban have shown no willingness to make concessions regarding human rights in Afghanistan. This is concerning, especially considering the government continues to receive foreign aid amounting to billions of dollars annually. The lack of progress in improving human rights sends a distressing message about the Taliban’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights and freedoms for all Afghans, especially women.

Last week, the US State Department released a statement expressing profound apprehension over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and emphasizing the need to continue supporting aid organizations and UN bodies that deliver assistance in accordance with humanitarian principles.

During the diplomatic talks, US officials strongly advocated for the immediate and unconditional release of detained US citizens, highlighting that these detentions hindered any potential positive engagement. It was disclosed in December that two Americans held by the Taliban had been released, but there were indications at the time that more US nationals remained in captivity. However, the identities of these individuals have not been disclosed.

The US representatives also voiced serious concerns about the detentions of individuals, media restrictions and limitations on religious practices within Afghanistan. The State Department further noted that the delegation acknowledged the Taliban’s commitment to preventing Afghanistan from becoming a base for attacks on the US and its allies, acknowledging a reduction in large-scale terrorist attacks targeting Afghan civilians.

Their voices have been silenced as they are barred from participating in public life and politics. The gains made by women over the past two decades have been brutally stripped away, plunging them back into the dark ages of subjugation. The treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan has become a cause for global concern. The international community must unite to safeguard the rights and dignity of Afghan women. However, the nature of the Taliban’s rule poses significant challenges for external intervention.

The group adheres to strict interpretations of Islamic law, often using religion to justify its oppressive actions against women. The lack of a clear and consistent approach from the international community has further encouraged the Taliban, putting the lives of women and girls at greater risk.

The international community must unite to safeguard the rights and dignity of Afghan women.

Dalia Al-Aqidi

The consequences of the Taliban’s rule on women’s mental and physical health are profound. The return to repressive policies has led to widespread fear and anxiety among women and girls. Many live in constant terror, uncertain of their fate. Reports of forced marriages, sexual violence and human rights abuses against women have already emerged, creating a climate of fear and despair.

The international community must stand in solidarity with Afghan women and girls. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure should be applied to the Taliban leadership to ensure the protection of women’s rights. The UN and other human rights organizations should closely monitor the situation on the ground and document any violations against women and girls. Safe routes for evacuation and resettlement should be established for those who are at immediate risk. 

It is essential to support local groups that have been advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan for years. These grassroots outfits have an in-depth understanding of the cultural context, and can provide effective aid and support. By empowering these organizations, the international community can amplify their efforts and positively affect Afghan women’s lives.

Every individual must recognize that the future of these oppressed women and girls is at stake. It is not only a matter of human rights but also a reflection of our shared values as a global community. Their fate should be a concern for all, regardless of political affiliations. We must come together to ensure that Afghan women and girls are not abandoned to suffer under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. By standing united, we can help bring hope and a glimmer of light to the lives of those facing the darkest of times in the worn-torn country.

Any efforts to advocate for women’s rights should be approached with sensitivity to Afghanistan’s cultural context while still remaining steadfast in upholding universal human rights principles. Together, we can strive to bring about a brighter future for the women of Afghanistan, and support their right to live in dignity, freedom and equality.

• Dalia Al-Aqidi is a senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy. Twitter: @DaliaAlAqidi