Photographer: Sayed Habib Bidell
Photographer: Sayed Habib Bidell
A woman, accompanied by her child, had come to receive aid packages designated by the UN Women office for widowed women.
Kabul, Afghanistan.
Photographer: Sayed Habib Bidell
"Unextinguishable Flames: Afghan Women's Struggles in the Shadow of Despair"
Afghan Women's Struggle for Rights and Freedom Under Taliban Rule
Since the rise of the Taliban, Afghan women have faced increasing restrictions on their fundamental rights. These include the denial of education, employment, and personal freedoms. However, despite these hardships, Afghan girls and women have not given up. They have continuously sought new ways to resist the oppressive laws and find ways to move forward. From underground music created in secret to covert education carried out in homes and among trusted friends, Afghan women are finding ways to keep learning and growing. Many have also turned to small businesses and traditional crafts, such as engraving and handicrafts, to support themselves while preserving their cultural heritage.The women of today's Afghanistan are not like the generation of 50 years ago. While they bear the faces of both young and old fighters, they are determined not to remain hidden behind the veil. These women are fighting relentlessly to change the oppressive views and harsh laws that have been forced upon them. They refuse to accept the status quo. Many have been imprisoned for their attempts to educate themselves or for engaging in activities that challenge the current regime. Yet, little information is available about those who are incarcerated, leaving their families and communities in uncertainty.
The decisions made by powerful countries and international organizations regarding the situation in Afghanistan have been weak. Despite global attention, the sanctions imposed on Afghanistan continue to have a devastating impact on the lives of Afghan women and girls. These sanctions are not only anti-religious but also serve to further limit the rights and freedoms of Afghan women, undermining any progress toward equality. The international community has failed to take significant action to address this issue.
Despite these challenges, Afghan women remain determined. Their message is clear: they want the freedom that has been granted to them by God and His Messenger. They are calling for the Taliban government to recognize and uphold the rights outlined for women in the Quran and to rule in accordance with these rights. Afghan women are not only seeking personal freedoms but also demanding global recognition of their struggle. They hope that the international community will listen to their voices and take action to bring about real change in Afghanistan.
This struggle is not just about the individual rights of women; it is a fight for a more just and equitable society. Afghan women are standing up, defying oppressive laws, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their future and the future of their country.
Public Project
"Unextinguishable Flames: Afghan Women's Struggles in the Shadow of Despair"
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