The world often witnesses the rise and fall of regimes, each leaving behind a legacy that shapes the lives of those who live under them. In Afghanistan, the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021 marked the beginning of a profound and systematic violation of human rights, particularly targeting women and girls. The Taliban's regime, with its draconian measures and oppressive policies, has erased women from public life, stripped them of their fundamental rights, and subjected them to severe restrictions that impact nearly every aspect of their lives.
For many, the stories of Afghan women under Taliban rule evoke a sense of despair and urgency. These are not merely tales of oppression; they are accounts of resilience and courage in the face of relentless persecution. Afghan women, who once had the freedom to pursue education, work, and participate in public life, now find themselves battling against a regime determined to erase their presence and voices. The international community has often failed to act decisively, leaving these women to fight their battles in isolation.
The Broader Strategy: Control Through Fear and Coercion
The Taliban's recent codification of morality laws represents a chilling new chapter in the nation's tumultuous history. These laws, formally enacted by the Taliban's supreme spiritual leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, are far more than a set of restrictive rules; they are a calculated attempt to reengineer Afghan society under the guise of religious morality, with devastating implications for the people, particularly Afghan women.
The new morality laws, which mandate that women cover their faces and bodies entirely and that men grow beards, encapsulate the Taliban's vision for Afghanistan: a society where individual freedoms are sacrificed on the altar of rigid religious conformity. The Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, now empowered with a 35-article law, stands as the chief enforcer of this vision, prepared to punish any deviation with measures ranging from verbal threats to public detention. In this new reality, even the simplest acts—like a woman showing her face in public or a man choosing to shave—are fraught with peril.
For women like Halema, a 37-year-old housewife in Kabul, these laws are not merely restrictive; they are a methodical erasure of women's presence, identity, and humanity. "Day by day, they are trying to erase women from society," she laments, her words echoing the fear and frustration of millions of Afghan women who, under the Taliban's rule, have seen their rights stripped away, their voices silenced, and their existence confined to the shadows of their homes.
The implications of the new laws introduced by the Taliban extend far beyond immediate restrictions on dress and behavior. They represent a broader strategy to control and subjugate the population through fear and coercion. The penalties for violating these laws—ranging from 'advice and warnings' to detention and confiscation of property—are designed to enforce compliance through intimidation. In this new Afghanistan, even the act of a woman speaking in public or a man shaving his beard becomes an act of defiance, punishable by law. This systematic oppression is not just an attack on the freedoms of Afghan citizens; it is an assault on their very identity.
Before the Taliban regained control, women in Afghanistan, especially in the capital city of Kabul and other major cities, were significantly integrated into the workforce and educational institutions. For example, 50% of the students and 60% of the teachers at Kabul University were women. Additionally, 70% of school teachers, 50% of civilian government workers, and 40% of doctors in Kabul were women. This demonstrates the vital role women played in Afghan society and the significant setback these new laws represent.
The Taliban's justification for these oppressive laws is rooted in their interpretation of Islamic sharia and local customs. However, this interpretation is highly contested, both within and outside Afghanistan.
Although the Taliban claim to follow a pure, fundamentalist Islamic ideology, the oppression they perpetrate against women has no basis in Islam. Within Islam, women are allowed to earn and control their own money, and to participate in public life.
Legal experts and human rights advocates argue that these laws contradict the fundamental principles of Islam, which advocate for justice, compassion, and the dignity of all human beings.
The Taliban's version of sharia is one that weaponizes religion to justify their oppressive regime, ignoring the rich diversity of Islamic thought that emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of individuals, including women.
Moreover, the international Muslim community has expressed its disagreement with the Taliban's approach. The 55-member Organization of Islamic Conference refused to recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government. Even the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, regarded by many as an ultraconservative organization, denounced the Taliban’s decrees. This further underscores the divergence between the Taliban's practices and accepted Islamic norms worldwide.
Stifling the Nation's Potential
But these laws also have broader societal implications. By enforcing such rigid gender roles and limiting freedom of expression, the Taliban are not just oppressing women; they are stifling the potential of an entire nation. Afghanistan's future is being held hostage by a regime that views progress and modernity as existential threats rather than opportunities for growth. The country's rich cultural heritage, its diverse traditions, and its potential for development are all being suffocated under the weight of these new laws.
For Afghan men, the laws are no less oppressive, albeit in different ways. The requirement to grow beards and the ban on shaving are more than just aesthetic impositions; they are symbolic of the Taliban's control over the most intimate aspects of personal identity.
Banning music in cars and neglecting religious duties highlights the regime's quest for complete dominance, undermining personal freedom.
A History of Regression
The oppression of women in Afghanistan did not begin with the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, but their return to power has undoubtedly marked a significant regression in the progress that had been made over the past two decades. Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban swiftly took control of the country, and by August 2021, they had seized the capital, Kabul. Despite their initial promises to respect women's rights "within the framework of Islam," the Taliban quickly implemented policies that effectively erased women from public and political life.
This systematic exclusion of women from public life is not just a policy choice; it is a deliberate strategy to control and subjugate half the population. The Taliban's oppressive regime has imposed a series of measures that have far-reaching consequences for Afghan women, denying them access to education, employment, and even the most basic freedoms. These measures are not only a violation of human rights but also a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of Afghan women.
The Education Crisis: A Future Stolen
One of the most devastating aspects of the Taliban's rule is the denial of education to Afghan girls and women. Shortly after taking power, the Taliban banned girls from attending secondary schools and universities. This ban was not implemented overnight but was the result of a series of decisions that progressively restricted access to education for females. By December 2022, the Taliban had issued a complete ban on tertiary education for women, effectively closing the doors to higher education and leaving countless girls with no opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The impact of these policies has been nothing short of catastrophic. Thousands of girls have been denied the right to education, and those who attempt to defy the ban face severe consequences, including harassment and violence.
Sahar, a 17-year-old secondary school student, shares her story: "With the schools closed, both my sisters and our neighbor’s daughters were left directionless." Like millions of other Afghan girls, Sahar's education was abruptly halted by the Taliban's decrees, and her dreams of a better future were shattered.
Education is not just a right; it is a pathway to empowerment and independence. By denying Afghan girls the opportunity to learn, the Taliban is effectively robbing them of their future. The international community has condemned these actions, but condemnation alone is not enough. The world must act to support these girls and ensure that they are not forgotten.
Hanifa, an eleventh-grade student, confronts the stark reality of educational closures alongside other girls in her province. Since September 2021, all Afghan girls over the age of twelve have seen their education indefinitely banned. As a result, a staggering 2.5 million Afghan girls, more than 80 percent of all school-aged girls and young women, are now out of school.
Beyond the immediate challenge of school closures, Hanifa’s dreams of further education and exploration have been challenged. She once harbored aspirations of attending university, traveling, learning new languages, and experiencing the world. Though the sewing classes are a far cry from these dreams, they have provided an essential 'underground' support system; one, however, that creates risk for all those involved.
Employment: Economic Despair and Dependency
The right to work is another fundamental freedom that has been severely curtailed under Taliban rule. While there is no outright ban on women working, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions that make it nearly impossible for women to engage in meaningful employment. Women are not allowed to work in most public sector jobs, and those who are permitted to work are often subjected to harassment, intimidation, and strict oversight.
The situation is further complicated by the Taliban's requirement that women must be accompanied by a male chaperone, or mahram, when outside the home. This requirement has made it extremely difficult for women to engage in economic activities, as they are dependent on the availability of a male family member. For many women, this has meant a complete loss of income and financial independence, pushing them further into poverty and dependence.
In December 2022, the Taliban took their repression a step further by banning women from working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This decision not only deprived many women of their livelihoods but also had a severe impact on humanitarian efforts in the country. Aisha, a woman from a northern province, reflects on how women in her community have been forced to adapt: "The recent rise of workshops represents so much more than just skill-building; it’s an act of hope, a way for countless women and girls to find meaning and sustain their families." These workshops, which focus on skills like sewing and carpet weaving, have become essential lifelines in a society where women's employment opportunities are nearly nonexistent.
The economic implications of these restrictions are profound. By excluding women from the workforce, the Taliban is not only perpetuating gender inequality but also hindering the economic development of the entire country. The loss of women's contributions to the economy has left Afghanistan struggling to recover from the ongoing crisis, with poverty and unemployment rates soaring. The international community must recognize that supporting women's employment in Afghanistan is not just a matter of human rights; it is essential for the country's economic survival.
Freedom of Movement: A Life Constrained
The Taliban's restrictions on women's freedom of movement are perhaps the most visible and oppressive aspect of their regime.
Women are not allowed to travel without a mahram, and even short journeys within a city require the presence of a male chaperone. This restriction has severely limited women's ability to participate in public life, including accessing healthcare, education, and employment.
In addition to the mahram requirement, the Taliban have imposed a strict dress code, requiring women to cover themselves completely when in public. Women who fail to comply with these dress codes face harassment, arrest, and even physical violence.
These restrictions on movement and dress are not just about controlling women's bodies; they are about controlling women's lives. By confining women to their homes and dictating how they must appear in public, the Taliban is attempting to erase women's visibility and agency in society. This is not just a violation of women's rights; it is an assault on their dignity and humanity.
The Dismantling of Support Networks and the Repression of Protests
In addition to the direct restrictions on women's rights, the Taliban have systematically dismantled the support networks that were in place to protect women from gender-based violence and other forms of oppression. The Ministry of Women's Affairs, which played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights, has been abolished and replaced with the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, an institution known for enforcing the Taliban's oppressive policies.
The Taliban have also dissolved the legal frameworks and institutions that provided protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence, leaving women with no recourse for justice and emboldening perpetrators of violence. The dismantling of these support networks has left women vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, with little hope for justice or protection.
Despite the severe repression, Afghan women have bravely continued to protest against the Taliban's policies. However, these protests have been met with brutal crackdowns.
Women who participate in protests are often arbitrarily arrested, detained, and subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment. The Taliban have also used enforced disappearances as a tactic to silence dissent, with many women activists simply vanishing after being taken into custody.
These crackdowns on protests are not just about silencing dissent; they are about instilling fear. The Taliban wants to send a clear message to Afghan women: resist, and you will be punished. Yet, despite the risks, Afghan women continue to raise their voices, demanding their rights and refusing to be erased. Their courage is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Aisha, a woman from a northern province of Afghanistan, shares how women in her community have banded together to survive under these harsh conditions. Despite the dire circumstances, they have launched workshops focusing on sewing, carpet weaving, and even language and mathematics classes for girls beyond the seventh grade. "The recent rise of workshops represents so much more than just skill-building; it’s an act of hope, a way for countless women and girls to find meaning and sustain their families," Aisha explains. These workshops, led by women, have become a symbol of resistance and resilience in a society that seeks to erase their existence.
Legal Implications and Crimes Against Humanity
The Taliban's actions against women in Afghanistan have drawn comparisons to crimes against humanity, particularly gender persecution. According to international law, gender persecution is defined as the systematic and widespread attack on a particular gender group, which in this case is women. The evidence of the Taliban's policies and actions suggests that they are deliberately targeting women to erase them from public life and deny them their basic human rights.
International bodies such as Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists have called for accountability for these crimes. They argue that the Taliban's leaders should be prosecuted under international law for their role in perpetrating gender persecution and other crimes against humanity. The international community must recognize that the Taliban's actions are not just violations of human rights; they are crimes that demand justice.
The challenge, however, lies in holding the Taliban accountable. The lack of recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan has complicated efforts to bring them to justice on the international stage.
While there have been calls for the International Criminal Court to investigate the regime's actions, the path to accountability remains fraught with challenges. Nonetheless, the international community must not abandon the pursuit of justice for Afghan women. The world must continue to push for accountability and ensure that those responsible for these crimes are held to account.
The International Community’s Response
The international community's response to these laws has been, at best, muted. While Western capitals, led by Washington, have made the recognition of the Taliban contingent on the reversal of these policies, the lack of concrete action has emboldened the Taliban to further entrench their draconian rules. The silence of global powers, particularly in the face of such blatant human rights violations, is not just disappointing—it is complicit. As Shukria Barakzai, a former Afghan parliamentarian, pointed out, the international community's inaction has allowed the Taliban to "create new laws and restrictions every day," with devastating consequences for Afghan women.
This international inaction is particularly galling given the sacrifices made by Afghan women over the past two decades. Women in Afghanistan have fought tirelessly for their rights, often at great personal risk, achieving significant milestones in education, employment, and political participation.
The repressive measures imposed by the Taliban are not just an attack on their freedom; they are an assault on their very identity. The enforced silence, the mandated covering of faces, and the prohibition on moving freely without a male guardian are all designed to erase the visibility and voice of women in society.
The international community must not only condemn these laws but also take meaningful action to support the Afghan people in their struggle for freedom and justice. While there has been widespread condemnation of the Taliban's policies, concrete actions to hold the regime accountable have been limited. Some countries have imposed sanctions on Taliban leaders, and there have been calls for the International Criminal Court to investigate the regime's actions. However, the lack of recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan has complicated efforts to hold them accountable on the international stage.
In the meantime, Afghan women continue to suffer under one of the most oppressive regimes in the world. The international community must do more to support these women, both by providing humanitarian aid and by pushing for accountability for the Taliban's crimes.
Humanitarian aid is critical in addressing the immediate needs of Afghan women, but it is not enough. The world must also push for long-term solutions that address the root causes of the oppression and ensure that Afghan women can live with dignity and freedom.
The international community must also recognize the role it has played in the current situation. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent rise of the Taliban have had devastating consequences for Afghan women. The international community has a responsibility to address these consequences and to support the Afghan people in their fight for justice and freedom.
The Price of Silence: A Global Moral Failure
In a world that prides itself on progress and human rights, the silence surrounding the plight of Afghan women is both a moral failure and a betrayal of the values we hold dear. It is time to break that silence, to stand with the women of Afghanistan, and to demand that their voices be heard. Only then can we hope to see a future where all Afghans, regardless of gender, can live in dignity and peace.
The Taliban's draconian morality laws are not just an Afghan issue; they are a human issue. They challenge the very foundations of human rights and dignity, raising questions about the global community's commitment to upholding these principles. The price of silence, in this case, is far too high. It is a price paid in the currency of human suffering, lost opportunities, and the erosion of freedoms that many in the world take for granted.
Afghanistan stands at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape the nation's future for generations to come. The international community must choose to stand on the side of justice, equality, and human dignity. To do otherwise would be to abandon the Afghan people in their hour of greatest need and to betray the universal values that we, as a global society, claim to hold dear.
As we reflect on the plight of Afghan women, we must also recognize the resilience and courage they have shown in the face of unimaginable adversity. Despite the oppressive regime that seeks to erase them, Afghan women continue to fight for their rights and for a future where they can live with dignity and freedom. The world must stand with them in this fight, and together, we must work to ensure that their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and those who oppress them are held accountable.
