A group of women identifying themselves as the Unity and Solidarity Movement Wave of Takhar Women has taken to the streets of the northeastern province to protest the bans on women’s work and education, as well as the widespread prohibition of women’s labor.
Breshna Khorasani*, leader of the movement and protestor, told to Rukhshana Media that the public demonstration of 25 women and girls began around 10:00 am outside of Bibi Maryam School and proceeded towards the Takhar provincial building.
However, she noted that after approximately 40 minutes, their march was halted by Taliban forces who dispersed the group through threats and violence.
According to Khorasani, one of the female demonstrators was briefly detained and questioned by the Taliban. However, she was released after she denied any knowledge or involvement in the planning of the protest.
Participants in the demonstration were mainly comprised of female teachers, university lecturers, and students, voicing their opposition to the restrictions placed on their work and education.
Brandishing banners and placards, the group of women and girls paraded with calls for “bread, work, freedom”, “education is our inalienable right”, and “we women are awake, we hate discrimination”. They also affirmed that “women cannot be eliminated”.
Khorasani said the primary objective was to express their dissent against the Taliban’s policies concerning women and to advocate for access to their fundamental rights, including the right to work and education.
Witnesses provided Rukhshana Media with video footage, revealing the protesters donned in black, full-coverage hijabs, resolutely chanting their opposition against the Taliban policies while on the roads of Takhar city.
Their declarations echo a simple but powerful truth: women comprise half of Afghan society and should thus be allowed their freedom.
The women involved in the Takhar protest have also made a plea to the international community to not forget the women and girls of Afghanistan as it is coming up on two years since women have been denied access to work and education.
