Taliban"s Night Raids: Women Face Rape and Forced Marriages in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, they have implemented over 100 edicts that systematically erase women's presence from public life. These measures include prohibiting women from speaking in public, showing their faces, and leaving home without a male escort. The recent edict, issued in late August, has been described by activists and NGOs as a significant step towards gender apartheid, further entrenching the oppression of women in the country. Mariam Safi, director of the Development Research and Policy Studies Organisation, highlights that this is the first time such oppressive rules have been codified into law, marking a return to the Taliban's previous regime from 1996 to 2001. The international community has been criticized for its inaction, as the situation for women continues to deteriorate, with increasing violence reported even within families. Organizations like Netwomening and Afghan Women on the Run are working to support Afghan women seeking asylum, but many face long waits and bureaucratic hurdles. The plight of women in Afghanistan has prompted calls for international accountability, with some advocating for the recognition of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. The fear and violence experienced by women in Afghanistan have led to a growing sense of urgency among activists and NGOs. They are pushing for global awareness and action to address the severe human rights violations occurring under the Taliban regime, emphasizing that the treatment of Afghan women should be a priority for the international community.