Afghanistan: 2 Years Into the Deadly Taliban Rule

Phoebe Opar

Today marks two years since Kabul, Afghanistan ‘s capital fell into the hands of the Taliban.

The Taliban declared today a national holiday, as this day marks two years of “Full honor and pride” for the Afghans.

However, the celebrations stand in complete contrast to the sad reality faced by the people of Afghanistan. Women and children in particular, grapple with an increasingly oppressive regime.

A woman in Afghanistan being escorted by an armed male Taliban counterpart. Women's movements and involvement in society has been restricted by the Taliban. — A woman in Afghanistan being escorted by an armed male Taliban counterpart. Women’s movements and involvement in society has been restricted by the Taliban. Photo: Courtesy.

Oppressive Taliban Rule

The Taliban’s return to power was accompanied by initial promises of reformation and respect for human rights, including women’s rights. However, as time has passed, the reality on the ground has painted a different picture.

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The Taliban has systematically rolled back women’s freedoms and participation in society. Secondary schools for girls have been closed, women are banned from attending universities, and restrictions have been placed on their ability to work and travel without a male companion.

Public spaces like parks and shopping malls have become off-limits for women and beauty shops have been closed. These beauty shops employed approximately 60,000 women, most of whom were their families’ sole breadwinners.

These regressive measures have had an intense impact on Afghan women. Consequently, women in Afghanistan now find themselves confined to their homes and excluded from public life.

Women in Afghanistan protesting against the Taliban's rule that barred women from working, going to school and going out in public. Such protests have since come to a halt as the Taliban grow more ruthless by the day — Women in Afghanistan protesting against the Taliban’s rule that barred women from working, going to school and going out in public. Such protests have since come to a halt as the Taliban grow more ruthless by the day. Photo| Courtesy

Taliban’s Psychological Torture

The psychological toll has been immense, with a surge in cases of depression and suicide. A United Nations survey conducted last month for a week revealed that 8% of respondents knew of a girl or woman who had attempted suicide.

The restrictions imposed by the Taliban have resulted in a rise in domestic violence and forced marriages. Meanwhile, the Taliban claims that women are allowed to work in certain sectors adhering to Islamic rules, such as health, education, and the police department.

However, many NGOs, including the UN, dispute these claims. The closure of avenues for higher education has created a shortage of qualified female professionals in critical fields such as healthcare.

The Afghanistan Conflict

Afghanistan has been knee deep in conflict for over two decades. Consequently, this led to the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2021 after almost two decades of combatting the Taliban.

This withdrawal resulted in a significant decline in foreign aid, leaving the nation vulnerable and isolated. As many countries struggle to address their own internal issues, Afghanistan’s plight risks being overlooked.

International funding to Afghanistan has been severely curtailed. The United States and its allies froze approximately $7 billion of foreign reserves.

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The country’s heavy reliance on foreign aid has left it economically vulnerable. The U.S. established an economic assistance fund of $3.5 billion last year from frozen assets. In order to help Afghan Citizens, these funds will be directed to an independent body outside the country’s central bank.

A Global Threat

Nonetheless, over 1.6 million people have fled Afghanistan since 2021. The majority of those fleeing are women and girls who seek refuge in the hope of a better life. Many of them are still awaiting admission into the U.S and other Western nations.

Sadly, some of these refugees were forcibly deported back to Afghanistan and had to go into hiding. Undeniably, the absence of hope within Afghanistan has driven these women to seek a future beyond its borders.

Nevertheless, there is global fear that the Taliban regime may be normalized in Afghanistan and other Muslim states. Thus, activists all over the world are steadfast on focusing attention on the people of Afghanistan.

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Particularly, its women and girls who continue to face a future fraught with uncertainty and despair. The challenge ahead is not only to recognize the ongoing crisis but to actively work towards alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people.