On December 14, 2024, the US Embassy for Afghanistan, currently operating from Qatar, issued a statement highlighting the dire plight of Afghan women under the Taliban regime. Shared via X (formerly Twitter), the embassy’s statement underscored that the systemic injustices faced by Afghan women not only jeopardize the future of Afghanistan but also threaten global justice. This stark warning calls for urgent global action to address the Taliban’s regressive policies, which systematically dismantle women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 marked a catastrophic setback for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Over the past three years, the regime has systematically stripped women and girls of their fundamental rights to education, employment, and healthcare. However, there is resistance from within, especially the women folks who want to be steadfast against tyrannical rule. The survival of Afghan women—and their ability to reclaim their rightful place in society—depends on sustained and unified global support.
The Taliban’s governance is characterized by an ideology that denies women and girls access to education and employment. Secondary schools for girls have been shut down, and female students are barred from universities. A Human Rights Watch report in February 2024 alarmed that the closure of health institutes for women and girls exacerbates the already fragile healthcare system, leaving millions without access to essential services. These actions are a direct challenge to the global commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The US Embassy’s statement is a stark reminder that the Taliban’s policies are not just a domestic issue but a global one. As the embassy noted, “The closure of health institutes for girls and women is a direct challenge to the global commitment to gender equality. This call to action emphasizes that the repercussions of the Taliban’s oppression extend beyond Afghanistan’s borders, undermining global efforts to promote human rights and justice. It is yet to be seen how it impacts the IAG, but the global community, especially the western democracies need to take tangible steps to adhere to international liberal order.
The persistent denial of Afghan women’s education and employment rights has far-reaching consequences. Afghanistan’s future economic and social stability depends on the participation of women in its workforce and educational institutions. In August 2024, a UNESCO report revealed that almost 1.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been banned from schools by IAG. The Taliban’s ban on women’s education and employment is compounded by restrictions on healthcare access. Health institutes specifically designed for women and girls have been closed, leaving millions without vital medical services.
The international community has a moral and ethical obligation to support Afghan women in their fight for justice and equality. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and humanitarian aid can be leveraged to push the Taliban to reverse their oppressive policies. International organizations, governments, and activists must provide platforms for Afghan women to share their stories and advocate for change. Media coverage, public campaigns, and diplomatic efforts can help bring global attention to their plight and build pressure on the Taliban to respect women’s rights.
Apart from global responsibilities, there is a dire need for a change of mindset from within. The Taliban must recognize that their policies not only harm Afghanistan’s social and economic fabric but also alienate them in the international community. Continued oppression will result in further isolation, economic sanctions, and loss of humanitarian aid—consequences that will only exacerbate the suffering of ordinary Afghans.
