Several women who are writers and poets in northern Afghanistan say they have faced severe restrictions on their creative expression since the Taliban returned to power four years ago.
Many say they are no longer allowed to publish their work or participate in cultural events, including poetry readings and literary gatherings. Despite the constraints, some continue to write in private and are calling for support to keep their voices alive.
Marwa, a young writer from Balkh province, said she was in 10th grade when the Taliban regained control. Banned from school due to Taliban policies restricting girls’ education, she turned to writing full-time and has since completed several stories, including a 340-page novel.
“I started writing when I was 16,” she told Amu TV. “Even though I had an interest in childhood, I began seriously with the story Queen of the Sword. I completed it in a year. Despite all the restrictions, including on publishing, I kept writing.”
Due to security concerns, interviewees requested their faces not be shown.
Other women writers echoed similar frustrations, saying they are barred from publishing books and attending cultural events. They urged local and international organizations to support their work and safeguard women’s literary voices under the Taliban regime.
“There are countless restrictions on women like us,” said Andesha, another writer. “We can’t publish our books. We’re not supported. We ask institutions to pay attention to women writers and poets.”
Maliha, a fellow author, added: “Because of these limitations, we can’t publish our books. We request help so we can continue our work.”
Cultural figures have previously warned that the return of the Taliban has drastically curtailed artistic freedom in Afghanistan. Many artists, poets and writers have abandoned their professions, while others are struggling with economic hardship and lack of institutional support.
