Following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, women across the country have faced significant restrictions and obstacles. According to reports, Afghan women's basic rights and freedoms have been substantially curtailed.
Since the Taliban took power, women's work possibilities have significantly decreased, leaving them economically insecure. Widowed mothers are especially vulnerable as they strive to survive in difficult circumstances.
The Taliban's strict regulations have resulted in a near-complete restriction on women's access to employment, severely reducing their capacity to sustain themselves and their families. This has caused some women, particularly widows, to rely only on male relatives, frequently leaving them vulnerable.
Furthermore, movement restrictions have been implemented, essentially keeping many Afghan women in their homes unless they are accompanied by a male relative. This has exacerbated their isolation and hindered their capacity to engage in daily routines or find work discreetly.
Education, a fundamental right, has also been greatly harmed. According to UN reports, over 1.5 million girls and young women are being denied the right to an education, compromising their future chances.
The humanitarian crisis has intensified the predicament of vulnerable populations, including single moms and their children. Faced with acute poverty, some mothers have turned to sending their young children to work, exposing them to exploitation and abuse, including sexual violence.
In the midst of these hurdles, Afghan women endured heartbreaking experiences, portraying their condition under Taliban control as tantamount to imprisonment. Many women, especially former police officers and soldiers' widows, have voiced desperation, considering drastic ways to escape their situation.
As Afghanistan grapples with severe poverty and food insecurity that affect the majority of its people, the situation remains grim for women, particularly those who run families. The international community is keenly monitoring the unfolding situation, with mounting worries about the well-being and rights of Afghan women under Taliban rule.