Denial of Education: The Struggles of Women and Girls in Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule

Arzo Mohammadi - July 2024

Photo credit: Wanman Uthmaniyyah

After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, they implemented over 100 rules, significantly violating basic human and civil rights, especially for women and girls, according to a report from Radio Free.

Schools were banned for girls above sixth grade, universities were shut down for young women, all women were ordered to cover their face in public, beauty salons were closed down, women were restricted from traveling without a male guardian, local and foreign organizations were advised to not employ women, and pharmacies were banned from selling contraceptives. The primary target of these rules appears to be the marginalization of females, stripping them of their autonomy.

Many of these women who were restricted and confined to their homes were their family’s sole breadwinners who are now unable to bring food to the dastarkhan (dining spread or table). This has especially impacted those who lost their husbands in the endless interstate wars (Anglo-Afghan Wars-1839-1919, and Soviet-Afghan War-1979-1989), and countless civil wars with the involvement of the United States of America. Many of these women do not have male children to work. Under these conditions many families are left without any source of income, pushing them deeper into poverty and despair.

Initially, the Taliban claimed they would allow women to continue their education, presenting a modern and improved regime since their last emergence in 1996 to 2001. However, with the passage of time, it was proved as nothing more than deception. The isolating restrictions, economic hardships, and families forced to marry off their young daughters with the increase of domestic violence resulted in many women and girls attempting suicide. According to a 2023 UN report, almost 8% of people surveyed, knew a female who had attempted suicide. These harsh realities paint a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by women in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

As mothers, women have a very direct and profound impact on their children’s mindset. These children grow up to become leaders, ministers, teachers, engineers, and presidents of the future. Uneducated women will raise uneducated children. If the regime continues like this, these children would have no futures, potentially forced to join the Taliban. Women’s role in their household is undeniable, and a society with illiterate women is inconceivable in order to have a prosperous country.

Photo credit: Wanman Uthmaniyyah

As a girl from Afghanistan fleeing the Taliban regime, I see that the Taliban are the most stringent adherents of patriarchy and misogyny.

Through their actions, they aim to limit and marginalize women to ensure that their patriarchal hierarchy remains unshaken. They only see women as child bearers, housekeepers, and as objects for satisfying their personal desires and gains. By pushing women to their homes and keeping them occupied with household chores, they seek to secure the patriarchal system. What good could this possibly bring?

Over time, the Taliban proved they have not changed, continuing to violate basic human rights and trying to erase women from all aspects of society. I urge the international communities and organizations to not recognize the Taliban and to restrict their diplomatic relationship with them. I urge people reading this article to share it with their friends and families to raise awareness and help by donating to trustworthy non-profit organizations helping women and children in Afghanistan. Lastly, I request charity organizations and educational institutes to establish an online platform where girls from Afghanistan can take free courses to learn. This may seem little for you, but for these girls, the effort is like the sun ending the dark nights of their life. I know, I was one of them.

Bio

Arzo Mohammdi was forced to leave Afghanistan in October 2021 when the Taliban came to power. As a newcomer, she is currently studying in the Paralegal program at Durham College with the aim of entering law school at a Canadian university. Her goal is to work for justice, human rights, and women's rights, with a particular focus on Afghanistan. She hopes that one day the Taliban regime will end, allowing her to return to her home country and work towards building a better society.