Rights demonstration by 15 women in Kabul

Around 15 Afghan women protested briefly in Kabul today to defend “their rights to the end”, on the eve of World Women’s Day elimination of violence against womenaccording to AFP journalists.

The protesters, many wearing black sunglasses, headscarves and face masks, started their march in front of a mosque in central Kabul.

Members of the Taliban Intelligence service patrolled in cars, while others walked armed down the street in front of the small group of women.

They, of various ages, shouted “women, life, solidarity” with raised fists.

“We will fight for our rights until the end and we will not give in,” is the slogan that can be read on the placard held by a protester.

“America and the West have betrayed Afghan women,” said another slogan. “The appalling situation of Afghan women is a shame on the conscience of the world,” according to a slogan written in English on another poster.

According to one participant, who was interviewed after the protest and asked to remain anonymous, “the Taliban were very violent” and arrested three female protesters, “whom they humiliated and insulted” before releasing them. “Afghan women are experiencing the darkest period of their lives. Today, they have no rights and are subjected to violence. Under Taliban rule, Afghan women are not recognized as human beings,” added the young woman.

Since the Taliban came back to power in August 2021, following the withdrawal of US troops after 20 years of war, women’s demonstrations, which rarely gather more than forty people, have become dangerous. Many female protesters have been arrested and journalists are increasingly banned from covering the rallies.

The Taliban have imposed an overly strict interpretation of Islam and have gradually adopted increasingly harsh rules, particularly restricting women’s rights and freedoms.

Life only with limitations

Secondary girls’ schools have been closed. Female civil servants are barred from most public jobs or receive a meager salary to stay at home. Women are also prohibited from traveling alone far from their city and must cover their faces and bodies completely.

The Taliban also announced in November that they would no longer be allowed to frequent Kabul’s parks and gardens. Yesterday, telecommunications officials in Uruzgan province (southern) announced that women will no longer be able to buy SIM cards for their mobile phones because shops do not have separate areas to serve them.

According to the United Nations, which is organizing tomorrow the International Day against Violence against Women, violence against women and girls remains the most widespread violation of human rights in the world. It is estimated to affect 1 in 3 women. A number that remains practically unchanged in the last ten years, according to the Organization.

RES-EMP

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