1 August 2024

Afghan Women Face Unyielding Hardship Under Taliban Rule – OpEd

Iqra Awan

The landscape of Afghanistan, scarred by decades of conflict, now witnesses another chapter of oppression as the Taliban’s stringent regime imposes severe restrictions on women, exacerbating their daily struggles and dismantling years of hard-won progress in women’s rights.

Education: A Dream Deferred

The return of the Taliban has seen the abrupt closure of schools for girls beyond the primary level. Secondary education has become a forbidden territory, leaving a generation of young women stranded in their pursuit of knowledge and advancement. The Taliban’s decrees have extinguished the hopes of many aspiring students, curtailing their intellectual and professional aspirations.

The deprivation of education not only limits personal growth but also hinders the socio-economic development of the nation. The absence of educated women in the workforce stifles innovation, reduces family incomes, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and dependency.

Employment: A Constricted Sphere

The professional landscape for Afghan women has drastically shrunk under the Taliban’s rule. Women, who once held significant positions in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and governance, are now forced out of their jobs or relegated to working from home under stringent supervision. The loss of employment opportunities has profound implications for the economic stability of families and communities.

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