Narges Nihan confirmed that life has changed “after the collapse of the state.”

Afghan activist: Women are under pressure under the Taliban

Narcissus Nihan.

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The founding member of the Afghan Women's Defense Group, Nargis Nihan, said that women's lives changed completely after the collapse of the Afghan government, and confirmed to The Diplomat magazine, based in Washington, that most of the women activists fled into exile and those who remain suffer from pressures imposed by the "Taliban" government. ».

The following are excerpts from the interview:

■ How was life under the rule of the "Taliban" different for women than it was in the previous period?

■■ Life changed radically for Afghan women under the Taliban. Under the previous rule, the Republic, we had an elected government and a constitutional system. The government was corrupt and ineffective, but it was responsible to the citizens.

We had institutions such as the Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Human Rights Commission, and the Department for the Prevention of Violence against Women.

But after the collapse of the state, everything changed for the Afghan women, as most of the Afghan activists had to flee to countries other than Afghanistan, and those who remained suffer from great pressure.

And when they demonstrate for their rights, they are arrested and tortured.

In fact, everything has changed since before August 15, 2021.

■ Why is the issue of Afghan girls and women going to school so important and vital to the country's future?

■■Afghanistan is a poor country, where 80% of its population suffers from poverty, and Afghan society is largely male-dominated, where women are seen as a commodity owned by men, and he can decide their fate, where they go, and whether they can have any relationship with their family members after marriage.

The only way women can strengthen themselves, is to become independent through education.

■ What are the ways in which Afghan women can resist the repressive policies of the "Taliban"?

■■ Women have adopted two ways to resist the repressive policies of the "Taliban". The first is taking great risks and demonstrating.

The second is through the attempt of some women's groups to resume their activities in the private sector, the media, and civil society.

With the support of some male players in these sectors, they get some acceptance for their activities.

But many of them face challenges that lead to the suspension of their activities.

And some women can very cleverly use social media to disseminate information and raise awareness of the situation that women in Afghanistan suffer from.

In addition, women in exile have formed various groups and platforms to continue advocating for Afghan women before various governments, parliaments, and at the United Nations.

■ What can Afghan men do to better support women in the cause of greater equality?

■■ The main reason why men refrain from supporting women's demonstrations is security. The restrictions and pressures imposed on men are also great.

Secondly, men do not see women's rights as their own responsibility, but there are groups of men who support women.

The space for civilian movements and activists has shrunk, especially with regard to demonstrations against the current ruling regime.

The important thing is that men continue to support women through social media, posting discussions, and providing more platforms for women to speak out and raise their voices.

Some men ruthlessly prey on women through social media.

■ What is the international community doing to support Afghan women, and what could it do better?

■■ In addition to putting pressure on the "Taliban", the international community can cancel its projects related to the safety and security of women.

Several months after the collapse of the Afghan government, 80% of civil society organizations and media platforms run by women were closed due to lack of funding.

And at a time when the "Taliban" members move freely in chartered planes to attend various meetings and conferences, women are still stuck because of their identity papers in various countries, not to mention visa restrictions.

In addition, workers close to the Taliban are invited to most international conferences.

Women have adopted two ways to resist the oppressive Taliban policies. The first is to take great risks and demonstrate. 

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