A Nation Half Erased: The Lives of Women Under Taliban Rule
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Author: Molly O'Connell
This article discusses domestic violence and violence against women. Reader discretion is advised. Support resources are linked at the end of the article.
In February of 2020, the Trump administration withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan in exchange for the Taliban’s assurance that the group would not attack the United States, or its allies. Additionally, the Taliban promised to uphold women’s rights within the country. Troops were slowly withdrawn from the country and by mid April of 2021, Biden announced it was “time to end the forever war," beginning the final withdrawal of U.S. troops in May of the same year. Additionally, NATO member states unanimously agreed to pull their troops out of Afghanistan, stating “it is now for the Afghan people to build a sustainable peace."
Shortly after this total withdrawal, the Taliban increased their territorial control, seizing various provincial capitals, until finally entering Kabul on August 15th, 2021, and taking control of the country. Now five years into Taliban rule, NATO’s hope for sustainable peace and security within Afghanistan has remained unrealized, especially for women.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, restrictions on women have grown each year. “The Taliban is closer than ever to achieving its vision of a society that completely erases women from public life,” said UN Women. Women have been restricted to only existing within a private sphere, unable to move freely in public, and refused certain services if not accompanied by a male guardian. Under the new regime, women’s ability to become educated and make a life for themselves has been stripped away. Women and girls are no longer allowed to pursue education past grade six, and many are unable to even access education up to this limited level due to poverty. As a result, women are being forced out of the workforce and must resort to relying solely on male guardians.
The workforce gender gap has accelerated since 2021, with Afghanistan now having one of the largest gender gaps in the world. Women have been restricted from working in various fields, and those who are still able to work must do so in the informal economy. These jobs are often unstable and low-paying, further exacerbating the safety and reliance issues women face.
“They are trapped in a world where doors are closed tighter with every passing moment,” says Ala, a 28 year old artist and dental assistant, who has had her studies halted since the Taliban came into power. Like Ala, women across the country have had to give up opportunities and dreams they once thought possible and adjust to their new reality of a restricted and dangerous life.
Alongside restricting women’s education and movement, there has been increased violence against women, putting their security and lives at risk even more than before. The latest edition of the country’s criminal code permits husbands to physically abuse their wives and children, so long as it does not break their bones or leave open wounds. Even if violence were to cause these wounds, the maximum penalty for the husband is only 15 days imprisonment. Women are effectively treated as property of their husbands, and their rights to be anything but property have been stripped away piece by piece. It is no longer safe to be a woman in Afghanistan.
Since NATO and the U.S.'s withdrawal, there have been attempts to hold the Taliban accountable for their actions. While there have been sanctions placed on the government, such as Canada halting development assistance after the Taliban came into power, these sanctions only worsen the conditions for those in Afghanistan. A large majority of the population lives below the poverty line, and thus an easing of sanctions has occurred in order to not risk the stability of the entire country.
The UN has deemed the experience of women in Afghanistan to be the world’s most severe women’s rights crisis. Various women-led organizations that held key roles in delivering services, documenting the abuse against women and creating networks for Afghan women, have been blocked. Women throughout the country have had their rights to express themselves, access education, and make independent choices stripped away. Afghan women are not just being restricted; they are being completely erased.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or struggling with mental health, support is available. In Canada, you can call or text 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24 hours a day. People experiencing domestic violence can also access confidential support and find nearby shelters through ShelterSafe Canada (https://www.sheltersafe.ca). If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Comments