After Two Years, Afghan Women's Voices Find Platform In 'After August'

Two years ago, the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan took a significant turn. Since assuming control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have methodically introduced a series of more than 50 decrees, mandates, and limitations, creating a carefully designed framework of inequality that influences every aspect of women's lives.

These policies dictate not only the places women are permitted to visit but also prescribe guidelines for their attire.

UN Women's Chief Statement

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, issuing a statement, said, 'Afghani women have communicated to the global community regarding how the Taliban's actions are misguided, harsh, and ultimately counterproductive. These actions undermine the well-being of Afghan women and girls, depriving them of their potential contributions.'

In 2021, merely a month after reclaiming authority after a two-decade war, the Taliban leadership prohibited girls from accessing secondary education. Subsequently, in December 2022, they sealed off avenues to higher education for girls and curtailed their involvement in the professional sphere.

The bravery of Afghan women must inspire us to greater action.
Despite restrictions, many continue to:
📣 deliver lifesaving services
📣 own & operate businesses
📣 run women’s organizations
📣 speak out against the violations to their rightshttps://t.co/J5iRXhjFQD#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/JwKysUj4S3

— UN Women (@UN_Women) August 15, 2023

Bahous further said, 'Despite encountering exceptionally challenging conditions, Afghan women courageously denounce violations, provide vital assistance, establish and manage companies, and lead women's groups. Their valour should motivate us to intensify our efforts in making things better for them.'

After August

Two years ago, on August 15, 2021, restrictions were placed on girls' educational opportunities and women's employment rights by the Taliban. This was followed by the imposition of rigid dress regulations and constraints on their ability to move freely and participate in public activities.

To document the stories of resilient Afghan women, the UN has created a digital space called 'After August.' The brave women can share their stories on the platform to be read by the world. It stands as a contradictory narrative against the Taliban's efforts to make Afghan women unseen.

Farzana, an Afghan journalist, took to the platform and shared her story. She wrote as follows, 'After August 15, I held a position at a women's website and served as a gender officer. However, as a result of the December 24 ban, I was forced to lose my job. Despite this setback, I continue to contribute to the women's website, but only as a volunteer.'

Further, she quoted, 'The most substantial upheaval in my life stemmed from the loss of my job. I was the sole provider for my entire family. Presently, the absence of employment has placed me in exceptionally dire financial trouble.'

In the past two years, over 50 edicts, orders and restrictions have been put into place in #Afghanistan.

The Taliban have left no aspect of women’s life untouched, no freedom has been spared.

Read and share the stories of Aghan women: https://t.co/PuONTEU9ud pic.twitter.com/Al2GZrZ1hJ

— UN Women (@UN_Women) August 15, 2023

Asking for support, the former journalist appealed to everyone globally, especially Afghan men. 'Amidst these circumstances, if there's anyone capable of aiding Afghan women, it's the men within Afghanistan itself. They ought to ally themselves with women and girls, while the global community, including the United Nations, should exert influence on the Taliban to acknowledge women's fundamental and Islamic rights,' she wrote in her story.

Suggested Reading: 'Don't Take My Bread And Water': Women Protest Taliban's Beauty Salon Ban