Taliban Is Destroying Women’s Rights, How Can We Help?

There is no doubt that the Taliban are one of the most oppressive and controlling organizations in the world, as evidenced by their actions since taking power over Afghanistan.

They have abandoned human rights and completely dismembered women’s rights under their harsh rule. Not only is the Taliban an orthodox terrorist group, which resurfaced 20 years after fleeing when the US defeated them, in reality they are unable to form a formal government capable of providing adequate health care, facilities, and industrial services.

Afghanistan is in the grip of an economic and humanitarian disaster. Approximately 95% of the population is malnourished and does not consume enough food. The gross human rights violence happening there is bone-chilling.

“I was ecstatic to be able to continue my studies and see classmates and teachers after seven months,” said a middle school student from a remote province in southeast Afghanistan.

“During my morning prayer, I thanked Allah for answering my prayers to allow me to continue my studies… I ran as fast as I could to school, only to be turned away at gunpoint.  The sadness and despair were overwhelming,” said one of the thousand Afghan middle school girls who were sent away from the gates on March 23rd.

Promises that were never fulfilled

Despite initial promises that women would continue to have the right to work and study, they are no longer permitted to study beyond the sixth grade (the only country in the world to do so), the Ministry of Women’s Affairs no longer exists, and they are barred from most forms of employment and health care.

Afghan women are not even allowed to leave their homes unless they cover their faces and bodies or are accompanied by a male chaperone. If they broke any of the rules, their male relatives would face severe punishment. The injustice that Afghan women are currently experiencing is something that no one, let alone them, deserves.

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What can we do to assist?

Today, the United States announced a $30 million commitment to support gender equality and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

• We can try to help by
• Donating to organizations that are active and support Afghan women.
• Contribute to necessities for Afghan refugees
• Learn about the Malala Fund
• Assist female journalists and members of the media working in Afghanistan.

The more we read and spread information, the more people will be aware of the human rights violation happening under the Taliban rule.

Image source: From BBC, edited on CanvaPro

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