Women’s Rights in Afghanistan: An Ongoing Fight
Women’s rights under the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan have become a global concern.
By Clarissa Schuller
Afghanistan has a long and complicated history. More complicated is Afghanistan’s treatment of women over time. With different figureheads in power, different rules and standards developed for Afghan women.
Over the years, Afghan women have been subjected to many different standards of life. In the 1920s, under the rule of Amanullah Khan, Afghanistan experienced significant modernization reforms. For women, this meant no longer having to wear headdresses or veils in public. Under the reign of Amanullah, the government allowed and encouraged Afghan women to attend school. Unfortunately, many people felt that Amanullah’s reforms were too radical and they forced him out of office.
After Amanullah, the rule of the country changed hands many times during which women’s rights experienced significant changes. The next move towards advancing the rights of women in the country was under Prime Minister Daoud. Daoud supported the emancipation of women in Afghanistan. He too ended the requirement to wear headdresses, which was met with backlash from Islamic fundamentalists, who would throw acid on the faces of unveiled women.
Daoud, like Amanullah, was seen as too radical and was removed from his position as Prime Minister. Around this time, unrest swept through Afghanistan. War had surrounded the country.
The Taliban in Power
The Taliban became active in Afghanistan around 1994 and began operating in major cities to ‘avenge’ the Afghan people. Fundamentally, the Taliban was a band of ‘religious students’ who adhered to strict interpretations of Sunni Islamic Law. ‘Avenging’ the Afghan people meant anything from seeking vengeance for young women who had experienced sexual violence to overthrowing government officials who had acted unfairly. The Afghan people welcomed these religious warriors into their cities with great joy, hoping they would liberate them from the ceaseless wars.
The people of Afghanistan could not have foreseen the terrors of the Taliban’s government. The Taliban imposed harsh restrictions on everyone, not just women. Women, however, seemed to suffer the worst under the Taliban. They were denied the right to work and go to school. The Taliban expected women to stay home and required them to be accompanied by a male relative if they wanted to leave. The morality police forced women to wear ankle-length ‘burqas,’ long dark veils that cover their faces, hair, and bodies. They were not allowed to wear makeup, nail polish, or any jewelry. Music, television, and radio were banned, as were laughing, beard shaving, and flying kites. Authorities could punish women who violated the laws by cutting off their fingers or spraying acid on their faces.
U.S. Involvement
In 2001, the Afghan people were liberated from the Taliban by the United States during the War on Terror. The Afghan people celebrated, laughed, played music, and wept with joy as the Taliban’s reign came to an end. From 2001 to 2021, the US had troops stationed in Afghanistan to ensure peace against ongoing threats from the Taliban.
The US had discussed reducing or removing troops from Afghanistan for some time, but President Joe Biden’s administration was the first to carry out the troop withdrawal. In August of 2021, President Biden pulled all of the troops out of Afghanistan amidst bombings and threats from the Taliban. Instantaneously, the Taliban returned and took over. Once again, authorities repress women and put them in danger, while men struggle to defend their families.
As news about Afghanistan continues to circulate, it is important to remember the history of women’s rights in the country and how the Taliban has restricted them. Everyone must be aware and educated as the violence and repression continue across the country of Afghanistan.
About the Author
Clarissa Schuller is a social media and marketing coordinator at Checkpoint News. As a junior at Grove City College, Clarissa is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law. In addition to working for the Institute as a student marketing fellow, she serves on the Orientation Board, Crimson and White Society, and works in the Admissions Office.
During the summer of 2023, Clarissa was an intern at the Akron City Prosecutor’s Office, assisting prosecutors with traffic court, case details, and administrative duties. In the summer of 2024, Clarissa had an internship at The American Policy Roundtable, where she assisted with various research and voter preparation.
After graduating Grove City College, Clarissa hopes to pursue law school, or higher education to work in the sphere of public policy.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.
Cover Image: Voice of America News, via Wikimedia Commons (Cropped) License