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Afghan Women Resiliently Weave Poetry Amid Restrictions

8/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Since the Taliban's return in 2021, Afghan women have experienced significant restrictions on their rights, including limited access to education and public spaces.
Women such as Alina Gawhary have utilized creative outlets, supported by NGOs like Turquoise Mountain, which aids carpet weavers in Bamiyan.
Their work, combining personal narratives and poetry, is featured in exhibitions like "Weaving Poems" at Sotheby’s in London.

History

Historical Context

The Taliban's resurgence in 2021 echoes their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, during which they imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, including a complete ban on education. In 2021, the UN reported a 100% drop in girls' school attendance. Today, women like Alina Gawhary utilize art to voice their struggles, supported by NGOs like Turquoise Mountain, highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equality in Afghanistan.

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Story summary

Since the Taliban's return in 2021, Afghan women have experienced significant restrictions on their rights, including limited access to education and public spaces.
Women such as Alina Gawhary have utilized creative outlets, supported by NGOs like Turquoise Mountain, which aids carpet weavers in Bamiyan.
Their work, combining personal narratives and poetry, is featured in exhibitions like "Weaving Poems" at Sotheby’s in London.

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