Turning a blind eye on women in Afghanistan

The severe violation of human rights and what you can do to help

Maria Simpson / Assistant Opinion Editor / The USD Vista

After 20 years of involvement in Afghanistan, U.S. troops withdrew from America’s longest war in Aug. 2021, and the Taliban seized full control of the country. No doubt, we have all read headlines and seen images plastered across our televisions, newspapers, and social media, raising awareness of the ongoing crisis. One of the most disastrous effects of this brutal takeover is the encroachment on women’s rights and the destruction of decades of progress. As a woman, it is horrific to see and imagine how difficult and terrifying it must be to be in a situation threatening your very human rights. 

Afghan women have long struggled for even the most basic of rights over the past century. In 1964, they finally secured the right to vote and seek elected office, and from there, women blossomed in their careers. While there was still push back, they were quick to protest in defense of their rights. Women were free to pursue great careers, to dress however they wanted, and to share their voices in government. However, in 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and women’s rights took a blow. This set the stage for the Taliban’s uprising in 1989, and their control over the country from 1996 to 2001. During this time, women were no longer allowed to go to school, work, or even speak in public. While out of their homes, they were forced to wear a burqa – which covers the whole body and face – and be escorted by a man at all times. Women who defied these rules were punished publicly, often with lashings, and many were even stoned to death. 

When the U.S. entered Afghanistan, one of their main concerns in rebuilding the nation was a focus on reinstating women’s rights. Huge improvements were made, allowing women to, once again, take part in politics, education, and careers. However, Afghanistan still showed many troubling statistics regarding cases of rape, abuse, and forced marriage, among other issues.

Even so, the condition of Afghan women’s rights improved immensely and there was opportunity for further progression. However, with the returned grip of the Taliban, human rights are threatened once again. Leadership within the group stated that they are coming in with more peaceful and respectful ideals, but reports have since been made of restrictions against human rights. 

Education for women is already being limited, many have been forced to leave their jobs, and there are reports of forced marriages. The Taliban claims a kinder approach, but even in the early ‘90s they entered the scene as a group promoting peace, and look at what that created.

The current situation in Afghanistan for women, young and old, is dire. Many of these brave women have already risen up in protest, demanding that the Taliban allow them to participate in politics, jobs, and education. They are demanding their rightful and equal place in society. However, the militarized group has not taken well to these peaceful protests. Taliban soldiers halted the protesting women, and even beat some of them.

It is painful to imagine what the world must feel like for these women right now. As distant as this issue may seem to many of us, it is important to empathize with Afghan women. All humans deserve dignity and equality. It is atrocious to even think that someone could deny such basic rights to another human being for something as simple as their gender. Now the big question is: how can we help? 

It almost feels impossible. How can I, a sophomore in college in America, help secure the rights of women all the way in the Middle East? Unfortunately, we are not able to do much, which is a very frustrating thing. However, every little action helps. Many organizations are accepting donations to provide necessities to struggling women and families. 

A second way to help, though small, is to become educated on the situation. I was disheartened to see the recurring pattern of social media posts on the topic for about a week, and then it completely disappeared. The situation is only getting worse, but apparently it is too much to even stop scrolling for five minutes to read up on the violation of human rights and ways to help. Don’t be afraid to share information on this issue. Social media is a wonderful tool to spread news and spark awareness, and these women need that help as soon as possible. 

This is a situation that calls for humanity to rally together to show our support for these women and to demand that the inherent dignity that every human is born with is respected.