Women’s Suffrage in Afghanistan
Since the Taliban recently invaded Afghanistan in August, Afghans, mainly women, fear for their future and lives. The terrorist organization has suppressed Afghanistan’s population from their religious traditions, education, and activities.
The Taliban's presence in Afghanistan has never completely vanished. These people would still restrict communities from carrying out their traditions and practices. Violence from this group has taken place since the founding year of 1994. When the American troops were pulled out of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban wasted no time in getting to the government. On August 15th, 2021, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. The Taliban had control over the government and all its major cities at this time. As a result, people tried fleeing the country in any way possible. This time is hard for all members of Afghanistan, yet the impact on females is even more troubling.
Looking back on the education of women before the invasion, women, and girls could attend school and get an education just as a man could. Though it was legal, many chose not to enroll because of the discrimination and controversy women would face. Now, women and girls are not allowed in schools. On September 19th, schools reopened to children in Afghanistan, yet not all children can attend. Schools are only available for males to go to. The right to an education has been stripped from girls’ hands leaving them shocked and depressed. Education is one of the most valuable things a person can achieve, yet knowing someone's dreams will not be fulfilled is grueling. With an education out the window until further notice, this has people worrying about their future. Numerous jobs require an education to a certain level which limits females to certain positions. Women used to be able to partake in government positions, yet it is not allowed at this time. Without a female activist and perspective on any administrative level, women will be highly underrepresented.
Similar to these restrictions, some social media platforms and social restrictions are in place. Afghanistan's journalists and media organizers are threatened against releasing any information that goes against the Taliban’s laws in place. With this, some television channels have been removed or banned in some areas. Even television in general has been prohibited in regions. Another technology limitation placed on the people of Afghanistan is a limit on websites and programs on mobile phones. Some sites have been blocked from viewings which limits people from their studies or using the internet. To end, the Taliban’s reign has inflicted devastation among Afghanistan. Will this terror come to an end soon?
