'Every day the situation for Afghan women gets worse and worse,' campaigner says • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Ultra-strict Sharia Law: A severe interpretation and application of Islamic law, leading to significant restrictions on women's rights.
• Gender Apartheid: The systematic segregation and discrimination against women, denying them fundamental rights and opportunities.
• Domestic Violence: An increase in violence within the home, exacerbated by the Taliban regime's policies and societal pressures.
• Internet as a Weapon: The use of internet shutdowns and filtering as a tool for control and pressure by the Taliban.
• Advocacy and Resistance: Women's use of online platforms for activism, connection, and protest against totalitarian regimes.

Summary of the Situation for Women and Girls in Afghanistan

The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has drastically deteriorated since the Taliban regained control over four years ago. The speaker, an Afghan writer and journalist, emphasizes that the reality on the ground is a stark contrast to the initial hopes held by the Western community. For Afghans, particularly women, the return of the Taliban was met with disappointment and shattered expectations, as they recalled the harsh realities of the 1990s.

Daily Life and Restrictions

Daily life for women in Afghanistan is characterized by fear, survival, and a lack of future prospects. Women wake up with no plans beyond domestic duties such as cleaning, washing, and caring for children and elders. The Taliban regime has not only failed to curb but has actively increased domestic violence. This is partly due to the pressure placed on men to enforce Taliban laws, such as ensuring women stay home, wear specific clothing, and do not go out alone or participate in activities deemed improper. This societal pressure contributes to a significant increase in domestic violence and a rise in suicide rates among women. Depression and anxiety levels are also escalating.

Gradual Erosion of Rights and Internet Shutdown

The erosion of women's rights has been a gradual process, with recent actions including the severe restriction and temporary shutdown of the internet. The internet was a crucial lifeline for women, providing a connection to the outside world, enabling online classes, and facilitating communication with friends and family. Its cutoff was a significant shock, leading to a complete loss of hope for many. While the internet has since been partially restored, filtering and monitoring of social media platforms have been implemented, preventing women from accessing certain content.

Taliban's Fear of Resistance

The Taliban's actions, particularly regarding internet restrictions and the banning of books and manuals written by women from universities, are driven by fear. They are apprehensive of global movements and the use of the internet by young generations to resist totalitarian regimes. Afghan women have utilized online platforms for advocacy, connection, and organizing protests, which the Taliban seeks to suppress. The recent order to ban all materials written by women from universities, with the justification that they are "un-teachable," is seen as a clear act of gender apartheid.

The Internet as a Tool of Pressure

The temporary internet shutdown, initially lasting three days, demonstrated the Taliban's capability to wield such measures as a weapon. The speaker believes the internet is now used to exert pressure on both the Afghan population and the international community, signaling their control and the international community's limited ability to intervene.

International Action and Support

To alleviate the situation, the speaker urges individuals to pressure their governments to elect leaders who are not sympathetic to the Taliban's ideology. They advocate against normalizing relations with the Taliban on a political level. Furthermore, they call for increased sanctions and restrictions on the Taliban, emphasizing that the regime should not be recognized as a legitimate state or government. Crucially, the speaker stresses the importance of including Afghan women and civil society in all negotiations and discussions concerning Afghanistan's future.

Conclusion

The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is dire, marked by escalating restrictions, increased violence, and the systematic denial of fundamental rights. The Taliban's actions, including internet control and the suppression of women's intellectual contributions, highlight their fear of resistance and their commitment to a strict interpretation of Sharia law. International pressure, non-recognition of the regime, and the inclusion of Afghan women in future discussions are vital steps towards addressing this crisis.