What women in Afghanistan want you to know | Start Here

Summary

This video explores the challenging lives of Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule, focusing on their restricted freedoms and the closure of secondary schools for girls. The Taliban's new policies, including mandatory face coverings and limitations on women's employment and education, have deeply affected the country. While some women express fear and frustration, others remain hopeful and determined to pursue education and independence. Despite the widespread impact of these restrictions, many continue to defy the limitations and strive for change, highlighting the complexities of life under the Taliban and the resilience of Afghan women.

Takeaways

• 😀 Women and girls in Afghanistan face severe restrictions under Taliban rule, with changes targeting this half of the population.
• 😀 The Ministry of Vice and Virtue replaced the Ministry of Women's Affairs, enacting new laws, such as mandatory face coverings for women in public.
• 😀 Women cannot travel long distances without a close male relative, further limiting their personal freedom.
• 😀 Despite being allowed to attend primary school and university, girls are banned from attending secondary school, affecting around 850,000 teenagers.
• 😀 The Taliban claims that the restrictions on education and work are temporary, though their enforcement remains inconsistent.
• 😀 Afghan women are vocal about their rights and reject the Taliban's narrative that their previous government was not upholding Islamic values.
• 😀 Some women, such as an Afghan TV personality, speak out against the Taliban’s rules and assert their right to live freely.
• 😀 Many Afghan women continue to express their desire to dress and behave according to their own values, rejecting external impositions.
• 😀 In the 1990s, the Taliban enforced strict rules on women, including denying girls education and mandating full covering; this is now being repeated.
• 😀 Some Afghan girls and women are continuing their education in private institutions, learning skills like web design, though it is not a replacement for formal schooling.
• 😀 Many young women are considering leaving Afghanistan to seek opportunities abroad, as the current regime has limited their freedom and prospects.

Q & A

What significant changes have occurred for women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule?

Under the Taliban's return to power, significant changes for women and girls include restrictions on education, work, and travel. Women are required to cover their faces in public, are not allowed to travel long distances without a male relative, and many have been barred from returning to government jobs. Girls can attend primary school but are not allowed to continue to secondary school.

How does the Taliban justify its restrictions on women and girls?

The Taliban claims its restrictions are meant to restore Islamic order in Afghanistan, based on their interpretation of Islamic law. They have argued that there were issues with girls' school uniforms and the need to properly separate men and women in public spaces. They also state that the restrictions on education and work are only temporary.

What is the current state of girls' education in Afghanistan?

Currently, girls in Afghanistan are allowed to attend primary school, but secondary education is denied. In total, about 850,000 teenage girls have been unable to attend school since the Taliban took control. Many girls continue to study informally in private institutions, with some receiving charity-funded education in subjects like web design and coding.

How do Afghan women feel about the Taliban's rules on dress and behavior?

Many Afghan women reject the Taliban's imposition of strict dress codes and behavior, asserting that they do not need the Taliban to dictate how they should dress or live as Muslims. Some women maintain traditional attire, while others express a desire for freedom and autonomy in their choices.

What impact has the Taliban's rule had on women in the workforce?

The Taliban's return has led to the removal of thousands of women from their government jobs. These women are now being paid to stay at home, and their opportunities for professional development and participation in public life have been severely restricted.

Why do some Afghan women support the Taliban's policies?

Some Afghan women support the Taliban's policies, particularly their emphasis on restoring what they see as core Islamic values. For these women, the Taliban's rule is viewed as a way to reinstate religious and cultural traditions that they believe were undermined during the previous government.

What personal challenges have Afghan girls and women faced since the Taliban took over?

Many Afghan girls and women have experienced a dramatic loss of freedom and opportunity. For example, girls can no longer pursue secondary education, and women face severe restrictions on their mobility and employment. Some have also expressed feelings of disillusionment, as their aspirations for personal and professional growth are thwarted.

What are the personal goals of Afghan girls despite the current restrictions?

Many Afghan girls still have dreams of becoming independent and successful despite the Taliban's restrictions. Some hope to study abroad, pursue careers, and challenge the limitations placed on them. Their determination to prove their worth and capabilities continues, though they often feel demotivated by the lack of opportunities.

How do Afghan women and girls view the international community's perception of their situation?

Afghan women and girls want the international community to understand the depth of their struggles, as they feel that their situation is often misunderstood or ignored. They emphasize the importance of preserving their right to education, work, and personal freedom, and they hope the world will stand with them in their fight for equality.

What differences exist in how the Taliban's rules are applied and enforced?

The enforcement of the Taliban's rules varies across Afghanistan. While some regions may strictly enforce the restrictions on women, others may show more flexibility. For example, the enforcement of the education ban for girls is not consistent across all provinces, and the application of dress codes can also differ.