KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban have organized a national exhibition of innovations and achievements by young Afghans in Kabul, but women and girls were notably absent, barred from participating in the event.
The exhibition, held at Badam Bagh, showcased creations from young innovators representing 22 provinces. However, women and girls were denied the opportunity to present their work.
An organizer of the exhibition confirmed that the Taliban refused to allocate any booths for women.
“We tried to advocate for space for women, but the authorities didn’t allow it,” one organizer said.
Among the exhibits was a drone designed by Abdul Naser Kazemi, a young innovator who showcased his project alongside other creations, including an electric bicycle and home design concepts.
“Our drone can fly up to 500 meters and operates using lithium batteries,” Kazemi said. “Since we don’t have lithium batteries in Afghanistan, we’ve had to rely on alternative methods to power it.” Kazemi added that he spent 35,000 Afghanis on the project.
Widening restrictions on women
The exclusion of women and girls from the exhibition is part of the Taliban’s growing restrictions on their participation in public life. Although women and girls were allowed to visit the exhibition as spectators, they were prohibited from presenting their work, a move that drew criticism from students and participants.
“Women have immense talent, but it remains hidden due to these restrictions,” said Mohammad Ali Sina Shirzad, a student. “This kind of exclusion stifles their potential and undermines their abilities.”
The four-day exhibition aimed to foster innovation among Afghanistan’s youth, but its exclusion of women and girls underscored the expanding limitations they face under Taliban rule.
