Taliban boasts about women's rights achievements amid severe oppression
- The Taliban has announced its progress in women's rights, claiming to prevent forced marriages and punish domestic abusers.
- Despite these claims, reports indicate widespread violations and forced re-marriages of women previously under protective annulments.
- The Taliban's assertions raise alarm about their intentions, as a history of oppression casts doubt on their stated achievements.
Afghanistan has been under the Taliban's rule since 2021 when they regained control of the country following the withdrawal of American forces. Since taking power, the Taliban has implemented draconian measures that suppress the rights of women, severely restricting their freedoms and opportunities in multiple aspects of life. Publicly, the Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women that numerous 'achievements' have been made in women's rights, particularly focusing on preventing child marriages and addressing domestic violence. He spoke about 20,000 women receiving inheritance and dowry rights and asserted that 5,000 forced marriages were thwarted, although these claims have been met with skepticism due to evidence suggesting otherwise. Multiple reports highlight a troubling contradiction between the Taliban's stated goals and its actions. A BBC exposé previously uncovered instances where the Taliban reversed annulments of child marriages that occurred under the previous government, forcibly reinstating women into marriages where they were subjected to exploitation. Mujahid’s optimistic claims lack substantial evidence, raising questions about the authenticity of the Taliban's commitment to change. The group’s history of misogyny has not been forgotten, as they impose severe limitations on women’s mobility, clothing, and opportunities for employment and education. This continued oppression paints a stark picture of the situation for women in Afghanistan. In recent months, Taliban officials have asserted that women’s voices should not be heard in public spaces and have created policies that mandate full coverage of women's faces. These statements and measures evoke memories of the harsh rule of the 1990s, showcasing a worrying trend back toward a similar, violent repression of female rights. Mujahid's claims were presented as evidence of progress, but many activists and observers argue they are simply a façade meant to gain international legitimacy while systemic abuse prevails. Domestic violence remains rampant, and the restrictions placed on women leave little room for empowerment or public presence. The Taliban’s governing strategies appear to continue a trajectory of gender-based discrimination rooted in extremist interpretations of Islamic law. Overall, while the Taliban claims make for a convincing narrative on the surface, they clash with documented realities and ongoing abuses faced by women under their administration. The irony of a group with such a notorious reputation purporting efforts to improve women’s rights is not lost on humans rights advocates who continue to call for accountability in Afghanistan. This narrative of 'achievements' serves to mislead the international community from the realities faced daily by Afghan women, who are left voiceless and vulnerable in a society dominated by fear and repression.