By Rukhshana Media editorial team
Various strategies have been pursued in the fight against the Taliban’s oppression of women in Afghanistan. Initially, street protestors were the focal point of this struggle. However, as the Taliban cracked down on protestors and an increasing number of activists left the country, the center of gravity of these struggles shifted to countries outside Afghanistan, particularly to Europe and the United States.
In the past three and a half years, efforts beyond Afghanistan have primarily centred around the lobbying of and advocacy within political institutions in Europe, the United States, and the United Nations.
While the results of these actions have not been remarkable, they have been somewhat effective in maintaining some awareness of women’s struggles and applying some pressure on Western politicians to not acquiesce to a Taliban leadership.
However, since the beginning of 2025, with the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the situation in many Western countries, particularly in Europe, the US, and Canada, is changing.
New conflicts in international relations and political crises in the West have sharpened the focus on the economy, trade, and military spending. This shift has directly impacted how countries address international and human rights crises.
The most significant consequence for Afghanistan is that it’s no longer a priority for the West to address its severe human rights problem.
For this reason, both within and outside Afghanistan, it is essential for women activists to examine these shifting sands in the international system and the changing priorities of the West, and reassess efforts to pressure the Taliban and advocate for women’s rights.
In this reassessment, it is important to consider at least the following points:
a)Influencing public opinion
Real pressure on the Taliban that can affect change will need to come from other governments. But getting these governments to cooperate won’t solely be achieved through individual or even collective gatherings and consultations. Political systems in the West are complex, but under most circumstances, these systems pay attention to consist pressure exerted by public opinion within their own societies. So influencing for this outcome becomes a strategy.
There are various ways and methods to influence public opinion. Publishing reports, analyses, and articles in the local media of that society, organizing street rallies, and leading protest campaigns can be highly impactful.
For example, one of the most successful efforts of this kind has been the fight led by supporters of the anti-fossil fuel movement. The members of this movement have deployed both informative and creative initiatives to capture attention and influence public opinion, without incurring significant costs. While they may not achieve immediate direct outcomes, the tactics of the Extinction Rebellion movement and the anti-fossil fuel movement make many people pay attention.
That’s not to say women activists should follow these exact methods. But the key point is a will and commitment to fight with courage and creativity to highlight a critical situation.
b) Gaining strong cooperation of human rights organizations and movements
The strength of democracy in Western societies goes beyond laws – it’s also rooted in an independent media and in comprehensive, robust civil institutions. Such organizations are present in nearly all social and cultural sectors and play a significant role in changing laws and influencing political agendas.
There are numerous institutions dedicated to protecting women, children, and education in Western societies. Although many of them operate within specific geographic regions and do not have a cross-border mission, they possess the resources and the will to influence politicians and governments. Many of the programs organized by these institutions could also be leveraged in support of the struggle of Afghan women.
Being present in these institutions, engaging with them, and garnering their attention and support for awareness campaigns on “gender apartheid” in Afghanistan is of great importance. Additionally, many programs and capacities of these organizations related to advocacy, as well as many initiatives aimed at eliminating domestic violence against women and representing victims in courts – these could also be beneficial for Afghan women.
At the level of civil society organizations and women’s movements in the West, there is a strong momentum for support for women in Afghanistan. Establishing connections and engaging with these organizations could provide a platform and an opportunity for their presence and involvement in the fight against misogyny in Afghanistan.
Coordinating these forces with women activists could significantly amplify efforts in Afghanistan and provide support beyond the political system for advocating women’s rights.
c) Establishing coordinating and unifying foundations and institutions
Women activists, both inside and outside Afghanistan, are highly dispersed and lack a united vision. To date, no institution has been established to coordinate and organize the efforts of women inside and outside the country.
The lack of communication capacity within the country and the ideological differences among women activists have resulted in minimal coordination and unity of opinion. Many prominent activists completely overlook the presence of young protesters and fail to give importance to their struggles and efforts.
These activists, due to their connections and familiarity with foreign governments and organizations, often work individually and, despite the best intentions, can be indifferent to the efforts of others.
Even outside Afghanistan, despite some relative connections and scattered gatherings, the efforts of women lack coordination, a clear vision, and an action plan. The divide between the younger generation and older activists is another issue that has harmed the unity of women’s struggles in Western countries.
Establishing a coordinating institution or foundation could reduce the extent of this fragmentation. The fight against Afghanistan’s gender apartheid requires systematic, planned, and strategic efforts, where every step and action should complement the previous ones. Disorganization and fragmentation waste energy unnecessarily and provide room for increasing personal differences.
Within the framework of a foundation or institution, research reports can be prepared at least quarterly and sent to allied organizations and governments, as well as published in the media. Preparing documents, evidence, and testimonies is one of the most important aspects of the fight against apartheid.
Let us remember that the Taliban do not enforce gender apartheid alone. The survival of the Taliban regime has been made possible through the support of the group’s regional allies and their global lobbies. Fighting against this entrenched reality requires complex planning at multiple layers and levels. An institution that could serve as the nerve centre for combining forces provides the groundwork for complex planning and practical actions.
d) Launching online educational institutions
For the past three and a half years, millions of girls and women have been deprived of education. If we calculate the cumulative effects of this, at least one generation of “illiterate women” has already been created in society.
The signs and evidence do not point to the Taliban’s education ban ending anytime soon. If the goal of the struggle is to empower women and provide growth opportunities to achieve equal human status in society, then access to education is the most important tool.
A prolonged rule of the Taliban means systemic illiteracy among women, the annihilation of opportunities for growth, and the destruction of women in society. To prevent this situation, it is crucial to open up access to education for women, even if only on a limited scale.
Many educational institutions in the West can be approached for help and support. The expansion of online education globally has made delivering educational services much easier. Of course, online education cannot replace existing educational institutions within society, but despite the limitations and shortcomings, it can provide an opportunity for some women to pursue education and become literate. Providing such opportunities for girls and women should be a key priority of efforts to effect change in Afghanistan.
