Afghan advocates urge Canadians not to forget women's plight five years into Taliban rule

Five years after the Taliban seized control of Kabul, advocates are pressing Canadians not to overlook the severe oppression of women in Afghanistan. Murwarid Ziayee, senior director of the Calgary-based charity Right to Learn Afghanistan, emphasized the need for external action, questioning why Afghan women should bear the sole burden of resilience and the fight for opportunities.

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From outside, it’s possible for the world to take action.

The Taliban regained control on August 15, 2021, leading to chaotic scenes of Afghans desperately trying to flee the country. Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan spanned 13 years, with over 40,000 personnel deployed following the 9/11 attacks. The mission, primarily based in Kandahar, resulted in the deaths of 158 Canadian soldiers and numerous Afghan civilians, while many others suffered physical and psychological injuries.

Despite initial pledges to allow women's education and employment within an interpretation of Islamic principles, the Taliban regime has systematically excluded women from public life. Girls are banned from schooling beyond Grade 6, and women are barred from a growing list of professions. Access to parks, gyms, and sports centers is also forbidden. A ban on medical education has further reduced the number of female healthcare providers, a critical issue in a country where strict cultural norms often prevent men from treating women.

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Why (is it) we Afghan women should bear the burden of being resilient and fighting and looking for opportunities?

The United Nations reports that global sanctions and natural disasters have plunged Afghanistan into economic crisis, with critical levels of child malnutrition. UNICEF has noted a significant increase in child marriage. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan stated that restrictions on women and girls impede the country's economic recovery and international reintegration. While Russia is the only nation to formally recognize the Taliban government, the UN also acknowledged that a reduction in conflict has brought a sense of safety to many Afghans, with authorities cracking down on crime and terror attacks.

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A reduction in conflict has brought tangible benefits for many