Kabul, Afghanistan – In response to the Taliban’s restrictions on Afghan women’s rights, several women bravely took to the streets to protest, demanding food, work, and freedom. However, these protests were met with severe backlash from the Taliban, resulting in physical abuse, imprisonment, and even threats of death by stoning for the women involved.
Among those who stood up against the Taliban were Zakia, a former breadwinner for her family who lost her job after the Taliban regained power, and Mariam, a widow struggling to provide for her children under the new restrictions on women’s work. These women, along with others like student Parwana Ibrahimkhail Nijrabi, faced violence, arrest, and interrogation for challenging the Taliban’s oppressive regime.
The brave actions of these women led to their detention and mistreatment at the hands of the Taliban. From physical assault to psychological torture, the women endured a harrowing ordeal in the fight for their rights. Despite the risks, they continued to advocate for themselves and other women facing similar oppression.
Parwana and Mariam were eventually released with the help of human rights organizations and local elders, but not without being forced to sign confessions promising not to participate in future protests. Their male relatives also had to pledge that the women would refrain from any anti-Taliban activities in the future.
The lack of basic facilities in Taliban-run prisons has drawn international concern, with reports of torture, inadequate food, and poor living conditions. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both highlighted the harsh treatment faced by protesters in Taliban custody.
As these women long for a return to normalcy and basic rights, their struggles symbolize the ongoing battle for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Despite facing adversity and intimidation, they continue to fight for a brighter future, advocating for equality, education, and freedom for all Afghan women. Their resilience serves as a reminder of the strength and courage needed to challenge oppressive regimes and strive for a more just society.