‘If We Can’t Speak – Why Even Live?
In ‘Scientific Research’ there is a paper by Manjur Hossain Patoari called – The Rights of Women in Islam and Some Misconceptions. He states:
- Rights, Dignity, Honour and Status of Women in Islam
‘Islam does not allow the domination of men over women rather it upholds the rights, dignity, honour and status of women by ensuring gender equality and also equality of rights for both male and female in every area of human life.’
Fast forward to the world of ‘reality’ and consider the state of womens’ rights in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 has resulted in a significant regression in women’s rights, resulting in their total oppression:
- Education
Girls are banned from secondary school and women are banned from tertiary education.
- Public life
Women are banned from working in NGO offices, public office, and the judiciary. They are also banned from entering amusement parks, public baths, gyms, and sports clubs.
- Dress code
Women are required to adhere to a strict dress code, including wearing a full body covering (burqa) and traveling with a mahram.
- Public speaking
Women are banned from raising their voices in public, including reading aloud or singing.
- Photography
Taking and displaying pictures of girls and women in public and private spaces is banned.
- Work
Most Afghan women can no longer work to support themselves or their families.
- Healthcare
There are fewer female healthcare workers, which has led to deteriorating women’s health.
- Protection
There is almost no protection for women and girls threatened by violence.
- Safe houses
Safe houses have had to close.
- Prisoners
The Taliban released prisoners, many of whom had been imprisoned for committing acts of gender-based violence.
The Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Ministry – the Taliban’s morality police have sweeping powers to enforce this criminal oppression of women
The BBC journalist Yogita Limaye was given permission to interview Taliban government deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat. However, he didn’t want to be pictured with her or have her sit directly opposite him……..AS SHE WAS A WOMAN
As Shabana stated [interviewed by Yogita Limaye] “If we can’t speak, why even live? We’re like dead bodies moving around,”