International Women's Day; Afghan women's fading hopes under restrictions
The restrictions imposed by the Taliban have blocked their paths to education, employment, and personal freedoms, pushing their role in society to the margins.
While the world celebrates International Women's Day, Afghan women continue to grapple with stringent restrictions. From bans on education and employment to severe limitations on personal freedoms, the lives of Afghan women have come under unprecedented pressure in the past three years.
The Taliban, through the enforcement of restrictive policies, have stripped women of many of their basic rights.
Exclusion from higher education, prohibition from working in most offices, and the requirement of a male companion for travel are just some of these restrictions. This situation has not only affected the future of millions of Afghan women but has also obstructed the country’s path to progress and development.
Coinciding with this day, the United Nations and human rights organizations have once again called for the lifting of these restrictions; however, there is no sign of change in the Taliban’s policies, and Afghan women continue to fight for their most basic rights.
While women around the world take steps toward equality and justice, for Afghan women, International Women's Day is more a reminder of the challenges that still stand in their way.
In the global calendar, a day has been designated to honor women; yet in Afghanistan, millions of women and girls remain deprived of their fundamental rights.
Farzana Ahmadi
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