A women’s protest movement in Afghanistan has condemned the recent death of a young woman named Abida in Ghor province, calling her self-immolation a “clear symbol of injustice and misogyny” under Taliban rule and a failure of international human rights institutions to act.
In a statement, the Freedom-Seeking Women’s Movement said that Abida, who set herself on fire in the face of domestic and societal violence, chose death over submission. “She showed that she would never bow to injustice and oppression, even at the cost of her life,” the group said.
The activists have called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into Abida’s case and for the prosecution of those involved.
Earlier, local sources told Amu that Abida, a resident of Taywara district in Ghor, died after setting herself ablaze in what they described as an act driven by domestic abuse.
Abida’s death has drawn widespread outrage from human rights and women’s rights advocates across social media. Many have launched a campaign under the slogan “I am Abida’s voice,” demanding greater attention to the growing incidence of domestic abuse and the deteriorating conditions for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
A relative of Abida told Amu on Wednesday that a Taliban member attempted to forcibly marry Abida to his brother shortly before she died by self-immolation.
The relative, who asked not to be named due to security concerns, identified the individual as Haji Mohammad Rahmani, a senior Taliban figure in Taywara district. According to the source, Rahmani led a group of armed men who stormed Abida’s home, detained her father and brother in a nearby mosque, and confiscated her phone and personal belongings. When Abida learned she was to be forcibly married, she poured petrol over herself and set herself on fire.
“She saw no way out,” the relative said. “She ended her life to escape being forced into a marriage she never accepted.”
Taliban have yet to comment, and Rahmani has not faced any consequences, according to the source.
