The Purple Saturdays movement, a women’s rights advocacy group, has labeled the Taliban a “dire threat” to the women of Afghanistan, estimating that 95 percent of them live in fear of the regime.
“This pervasive fear is not unwarranted, given the Taliban’s track record and their draconian policies that target women specifically,” the movement said in a statement.
Under Taliban rule, Afghan women have seen their freedoms drastically curtailed. The group highlighted that education for girls beyond the sixth grade has been banned, and women are barred from most forms of employment. Their participation in public life has been severely restricted, with strict dress codes and male guardianship laws further limiting their mobility and autonomy.
The psychological toll of living under such oppressive conditions cannot be overstated, the movement added. “Women who were once professionals, educators, and activists now find themselves silenced and marginalized,” the statement noted.
The group criticized the international community and the United Nations for failing to improve the situation for Afghan women. Despite numerous resolutions and calls for action, there has been little tangible support addressing the immediate needs and safety of Afghan women.
“The international response has often been characterized by condemnation without consequential action, leaving Afghan women to fend for themselves in an increasingly hostile environment,” the statement read. Humanitarian aid often fails to reach those most in need due to the Taliban’s control over many areas.
The lack of robust international mechanisms to hold the Taliban accountable has emboldened the group, further entrenching their oppressive policies, according to the movement. They urged the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and implement effective measures that support Afghan women in their fight for equality and freedom.
