As the Taliban takes over Afghanistan, women in the country are under direct threat. Women often become a soft target in the absence of law and order. This is because of the mindset that women are to be controlled. Women are, moreover, viewed as property that can be destroyed and vandalised.
Women must be allowed to live on their own terms and with all the freedom and rights.
The history of Taliban rule in Afghanistan had institutionalised the violation of rights of women and girls. The regime was brutal in its treatment of women. The public life of women was miserable. They were allowed in public places only if their faces were covered and accompanied by a male relative. The education and working rights of women and girls were completely absent. They were not allowed to attend schools and universities or work in public places.
The Taliban had exercised control even on the women’s right to choose what they want to wear. The amount of control on women was devastating. Another important issue was the early marriage of girls. Most of the girls were married before turning 18. Once married, they were forced to drop out of school.
Marriage at an early age disrupts their education and also harms their health, restricting them in the household sphere. With such brutal memories under the rule of the Taliban, there is a fear among Afghan women regarding their rights and future in the country since the re-entry of the Taliban. They are in apprehension that the old misery would return. They would again be forced to live in a state of constant fear.
With the return of the Taliban regime, the international community has to take necessary steps to ensure the rights and liberties of women. The brutalisation of women must not be allowed. The recognition of the Taliban regime should be on the precondition of equal and fair treatment of women and girls.
The Taliban should treat women with respect and dignity. The international community and international organisations must come to the forefront. The concept of universal human rights comes into play here. Women as international citizens do have certain rights irrespective of their nationality. Women’s education is very important to ensure a dignified life for women. Taliban must be judged on its actions and not on mere words.