The Taliban’s resurgence in 2021 has drastically curtailed the freedoms of women in Afghanistan.
The Taliban leaders tightened restrictions on women’s voices in public and also implemented new strict laws under the Islamist regime.
These laws, touch on various aspects of daily life such as public transportation, music, grooming, and festivities.
The rules prohibit thin, tight, or short clothing and mandate that women conceal themselves from non-Muslims.
Additionally, women are advised not to sing, recite, or speak loudly in public, as their voices are considered private.
Taliban also banned the public display of images of living beings, including those in official media.
The impact of these restrictions on Afghan Women
Girls are now confined to their homes, with secondary education banned, which severely limits their future opportunities.
Women face significant social and economic oppression due to restrictions on their ability to work in most professions.
Afghan women have seen their participation in public life, work, and education severely diminished.
Surge in Gender-based Violence
Gender-based violence has surged, with 332 women reported as victims of femicide since the Taliban regained control.
Data reveals that between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, 840 women and girls experienced gender-based violence, averaging nearly one reported case per day.
Taliban leaders have been implicated in over half of these incidents, with an analysis revealing 115 cases of sexual violence, including forced marriage, sexual slavery, assault, and rape.
Additionally, 113 women have been reported arrested, many for breaching the regime’s oppressive laws against women and girls, such as the prohibition on traveling long distances without a male guardian. There were also 73 reported incidents of torture and other forms of abuse.
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