‘We are still here’: a day in the life of 12 Afghan women
In the five years since the Taliban’s return to power, the walls have been closing in on the women and girls of Afghanistan. As the
In the five years since the Taliban’s return to power, the walls have been closing in on the women and girls of Afghanistan. As the regime has tightened its grip, it has banned girls from education after the age of 12, ejected many women from the workplace and created legal frameworks for child marriage and husbands beating their wives.
Taliban rule has ushered in a new era of women being whipped for minor infractions and constant inspections by ‘vice and morality’ officials, with men compelled to become enforcers in their own homes. Even the borders of the online world have been creeping inward, with a new spate of smartphone bans and internet restrictions.
Marking the grim anniversary, a dozen women and girls have, at great risk to their safety, documented their lives for the world to see Herat province Every day, I wake up to the silence of dawn. I feel as though I am still holding my weapon. I lie on my bed for a few moments, taking deep breaths.
With every awakening, I make a promise to myself: if my husband manages to return home safely today, I will thank God even more. Continue reading...
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