By: Mujtaba Haris

During the past 18 months, Afghanistan has faced an array of complex challenges following the ascension of the Taliban to power. Among these pressing issues that have gained national and international attention are grave human rights abuses, particularly with regard to women's rights.

According to reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, it is clear that there are extensive violations occurring in Afghanistan which demand urgent action. The resurgence of Taliban rule has had devastating effects on Afghan women, who continue to bear witness to the systematic stripping away of their basic civil liberties. This situation worsens their already precarious circumstances and creates a climate where gender apartheid prevails across various aspects of society, including politics, social interactions, the economy, and education.

In this article, I aim to provide greater depth into how gender-based oppression under the Taliban regime manifests itself within each of the aforementioned domains. Since assuming control over Afghanistan on August 15th, 2021, concerns regarding women's well-being under a regime notorious for implementing strict policies, centered around gender segregation, are once again at the forefront of discussions surrounding life in the country. This is not the first time that Taliban rule has led to widespread gender-based oppression.

During the Taliban's previous rule of Afghanistan, from 1996 to 2001, they enforced a series of restrictive laws and policies that deprived women of their basic human rights, such as the right to education, work, and mobility. Movement was restricted as women were forced to wear burqas and could not leave their homes without the company of a male guardian. Such policies led to the virtual invisibility of women in society and their exclusion from public life in Afghanistan. Women also faced harsh punishment if they transgressed against these restrictions, as they were subsequently beaten, tortured, and even executed.

Conceptual Background

The term apartheid refers to segregation or separation. It has a complex history in South Africa which was deeply connected to the fight for gender equality and women's rights. While primarily targeting people of colour, Black women also experienced discrimination under this oppressive system.

Despite these challenges, feminist activists played a pivotal role in challenging and resisting apartheid, with women often leading the anti-apartheid movement. Apartheid has been officially eliminated in South Africa, but numerous hurdles still need addressing before true gender equality can be achieved. Recent events in Afghanistan have thrust gender-based oppression back into public discourses, as Taliban authorities have reintroduced their form of gender apartheid within society.

Politics

During Afghanistan's Republic era (2001 to 2021), women broke free from the shackles of oppression and took on prominent positions in politics and governance. Tens of thousands of brave women fearlessly served their country by participating in governmental affairs. However, the recent decision to confine Afghan women within their homes and strip them of their rights has sparked outrage and concern, both domestically and overseas. Despite countless challenges, these resilient fighters remain undeterred in their quest for gender equality.

In 2005, Afghanistan's parliament enacted a constitutional law that set aside 68 seats out of 250 solely for women. This was a significant stride towards promoting gender equality in the country. Before Taliban rule, Afghan women held approximately 27 percent of parliamentary positions, this is comparable to the representation of female members of Congress in the United States.

However, with the Taliban's return to power, new rules will confine women to their homes and deprive them of judicial or high-security roles, shattering their dreams and disappointing their hearts. Losing these determined individuals, who have made significant contributions towards democracy, will create an enormous loss for Afghan society. The country will regress in terms of gender equality, which will have a negative impact on its overall stability and success.

The September 2021 decision to shut down the women's affairs ministry and replace it with the Ministry for Preaching and Guidance, and the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, amplifies concerns that the Taliban will actively work towards undermining the progress made by Afghan women over the last two decades. This move will create a society where women are relegated to the fringes of society with limited access to education and job opportunities. In turn stripping them of their basic human rights.

Social Life

The Taliban's rule also severely curtails women's social lives by enforcing strict dress codes and preventing them from entering public spaces such as parks, gyms, and other public places. These restrictions on women's social lives severely limit their ability to engage in public life and contribute to the economic and social development of Afghanistan.

The Taliban's decision to require all females to wear full-face coverings while out in public is reminiscent of their past rule over Afghanistan when burqa mandates were enforced. Although some Afghan families have traditionally encouraged such coverings, there has been significant resistance from numerous women who are expressing dissent against this mandate through various social media platforms.

Nevertheless, many feel compelled to adhere to these rules due to fears of retribution or violence at the hands of the Taliban authorities. This controversial ruling regarding wearing veils showcases an ongoing struggle between traditional religious values and modern-day beliefs surrounding freedom of expression and personal autonomy for Afghan citizens, particularly females who are the most affected by such policies.

As an alternative to traditional hijabs or burqas, several women have started wearing long Arab-style dresses instead, but even this falls short according to the strict dress code imposed by the militant group. The Taliban’s constraints include women not being able allowed to travel beyond 75 km without a Mahram (a male relative who can act as her guardian). Moreover, female journalists and presenters are forced to cover their faces while on air and are not allowed to interview male guests or attend press conferences where men are present.

In late March, the Taliban informed airlines operating in Afghanistan that women are not permitted to travel on domestic or international flights unless accompanied by a male chaperone. Such restrictions are indicative of the Taliban regime severely curtailing women’s rights to freedom of movement and participation in public life, and these regulations instill fear among Afghan women. This oppressive treatment of women by the Taliban is a clear violation of universal human rights and shows their disregard for gender equality.

Economy

The Taliban's oppressive regime has significantly impacted the Afghan economy. Rising inflation and financial constraints are already crippling the country. Additionally, their decision to prohibit women from working threatens to wipe out up to 5% of Afghanistan's GDP, equivalent to $1 billion, according to a recent report by the United Nations Development Programme. Women represent approximately 20% of Afghanistan's workforce, which is an essential component of the economy. Without access to employment opportunities under Taliban rule, household consumption could be reduced by half a billion dollars.

The ban is also affecting non-profit organizations and government offices, with many NGOs ceasing operations due to these imposed restrictions. Consequently, disruptions have continued unabated, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. These adverse economic effects could further impair the little progress that was made towards building sustainable businesses and a stable economy in Afghanistan before 2021, as international development aid and investments have decreased drastically.

Education

The Taliban, notorious for their opposition to women's education, have continued their oppressive policies despite the promises made by the more moderate ‘Taliban 2.0’. Female students in middle and high schools have been deprived of their right to education for over a year, and the situation has worsened with the Taliban's recent announcement that women will no longer be allowed to pursue higher education as of December 2022. Girls have been facing school closures due to the Taliban's ideological stance on gender roles.

The Taliban's stubbornness over restricting progress for women demonstrates their disregard for equal rights and access to opportunities regardless of gender or social status. Their insistence on confining females to domestic roles represents a regressive perspective rooted in outdated norms that reinforce inequality.

The Taliban's actions are unsurprising given the restrictions on women's education observed during their previous rule in Afghanistan during the 1990s, where women were bound by strict gender norms and isolated from social activities. Curtailing educational opportunities can have long-lasting implications for a nation and its citizens.

It is necessary to prioritize safeguarding the fundamental rights of females, including education and work, as it drives progress and development. Such prohibitive tactics hinder innovation, analytical reasoning, and negatively affect the country's future prospects while thwarting economic growth and social development goals.

Conclusion

Afghan women have shown unwavering bravery in their fight against gender apartheid. From staging protests to launching social media campaigns, they have left no stone unturned in their pursuit for equality. However, despite their relentless efforts under the "Bread, Work, Freedom" motto, the Taliban's brand of gender segregation pervades every aspect of women's lives. Mandatory hijab has now extended to urban transportation systems.

Immediate measures must be taken by the international community to pressure the Taliban's tyrannical rule, which has resulted in widespread systemic discrimination against women. Unless action is taken, women will be deprived of opportunities to participate in societal activities.

The international community must recognize the urgency of this crisis and advocate for the fundamental rights of Afghan women, including access to education, freedom, and the ability to participate in the labor force. Such action can provide immediate relief while laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future and society that prioritizes the interests of all citizens, regardless of their gender or identity.

Mujtaba Haris is an Afghan researcher and freelance journalist pursuing a Ph.D. at Toronto Metropolitan University. He has written extensively on human rights, humanitarian crises, security, and development in Afghanistan. His work has been published in reputable international media outlets.

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