Afghan women landed on roads on the occasion of International Women’s Day voicing demands for their rights, urging the Taliban to ensure their inclusion in society, as reported by TOLOnews. Highlighting the numerous challenges faced by women and girls in Afghanistan, including barriers to education and employment, Wajiha, a 22-year-old Afghan, expressed her desire to pursue education and work opportunities freely.
“On this International Women’s Day, we call upon the Islamic Emirate to lift restrictions on women, allowing them to pursue education, gain employment, and contribute to society,” Wajiha said.
Women in the capital called for meaningful engagement and participation of women in Afghan society. Shabnam, a journalist, stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of Afghan women, who remain unheard in many parts of the country. Similarly, Fazila, a women’s rights activist, celebrated the resilience and uniqueness of Afghan women, acknowledging their distinct struggles and achievements.
Despite initial assurances from the Taliban to adopt a more moderate stance on women’s rights following their assumption of power in August 2021, the reality tells a different story. The ban on higher education for women is just one of several regressive measures undertaken by the Taliban, further marginalizing women and restricting their societal roles.
Following their rise to power, the Taliban prohibited girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade, enforced strict dress codes, and imposed travel restrictions on women. Additionally, they shut down beauty salons and hindered women’s participation in domestic and international aid organizations, sparking condemnation from the global community.
(With ANI Inputs)