The Struggle of Afghan Women Under Taliban Rule

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, women have faced severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms. A spontaneous protest movement emerged, primarily composed of ordinary women such as students, teachers, and healthcare workers. Zarmina Paryani, a 26-year-old activist, exemplified this movement. On January 16, 2022, she participated in a protest where women burned a burqa, symbolizing their defiance against the Taliban's oppressive policies. This act of resistance led to a violent crackdown, with Taliban forces raiding her home just days later. Paryani, fearing for her life, jumped from a window to escape arrest.

The Guardian

The Taliban's return has resulted in a systematic exclusion of women from public life, education, and employment. According to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), women’s participation in the labor force has plummeted to approximately 6%. The report highlights that women are now largely confined to informal, home-based activities, facing increased risks of gender-based violence and psychological harm. The Taliban's morality laws have further entrenched these restrictions, creating a coherent system of gender apartheid.

Taliban Rule Afghanistan Through 470 Decrees, 79 Targeting Women, Says UN

Rashida Manjoo, chair of the People’s Tribunal for Women of Afghanistan, stated that the Taliban's policies constitute gender persecution, denying women and girls their basic rights. The tribunal's recent judgment recognized the Taliban's actions as a crime against humanity, emphasizing the urgent need for international accountability.

Zeteo

The harsh realities of life under Taliban rule have led to a rise in forced marriages, severe depression, and social isolation among Afghan women and girls. The “Gift For Girls’ Organization” reported alarming trends in mental health issues, with many girls expressing feelings of hopelessness and anxiety due to the loss of educational opportunities and economic independence. The organization provided counseling to 588 girls in 2025, highlighting the urgent need for psychological support in a context of pervasive despair.

Depression and Forced Marriage: The Role of Psychological Counseling in Confronting the Crisis Facing GirlsTaliban Rule Afghanistan Through 470 Decrees, 79 Targeting Women, Says UNZeteoThe Guardian

Despite the dire situation, Afghan women continue to seek justice and equality, often at great personal risk. Zarmina Paryani, now in exile in Germany, has testified at international forums, documenting the abuses faced by women in Afghanistan. She expressed concern for her family back home, reflecting the ongoing dangers for those who oppose the Taliban.

The Guardian

The international community's response has been mixed, with some governments advocating for the recognition of gender apartheid in international law. The upcoming negotiations on a new UN Crimes Against Humanity Treaty present an opportunity to codify these findings and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions.

Zeteo

The plight of Afghan women under Taliban rule is a pressing humanitarian crisis that demands global attention. As they navigate a landscape of oppression, their resilience and activism serve as a testament to their struggle for rights and dignity. The international community's willingness to confront these issues will ultimately determine the future of women's rights in Afghanistan and beyond.

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