The destiny of women in Taliban ruled Afghanistan has been much debated topic recently. From 1996-2001, when Taliban was in power, Afghan women lived a miserable life. They were living under a lot of restrictions. From being forced to wear a burqa, to not being allowed to step out without a male guardian, to not being allowed to work, attend school & college, Afghan women lived a life of extreme misery!
It has been 20 years since the fall of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan and many things have changed, especially for Afghan women! Women have earned their freedom that was once denied.
Women and girls started getting education in schools and colleges; They started working in offices; They even entered political offices! And, Zarifa Ghafari was one such pioneer, who was the first woman in Afghanistan to become a mayor.
In the year 2018, Zarifa Ghafari created history as she became the youngest, and first female mayor in Afghanistan in Maidan Wardak province at the age of 26. But, as Taliban took over Afghanistan, the future of women like Zarifa Ghafari, who shattered the patriarchy, is under threat.
Zarifa Ghafari said she was waiting for the Islamic militants to come and kill her. As told INews, she mentioned:
“I’m sitting here waiting for them to come. There is no one to help me or my family. I’m just sitting with them and my husband. And they will come for people like me and kill me. I can’t leave my family. And anyway, where would I go?”
My dear homeland,
I know you are suffering and in pain 😢
I know it is hard for you because strangers burn you and seek your destruction 😢
But your real children who are looking to build you are very hard but with full courage trying to pull you out of these bad days 😍 pic.twitter.com/paQh0Nry4f— Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) August 14, 2021
I take your pain for granted and I am ready to stay here until the last moment of my life for the prosperity of this beautiful land.
— Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) August 14, 2021
I love this homeland, its peace, its people and even its hardships and pains.
No stranger will be able to take this love out of my heart for you 😍
That’s why, It does not matter what and why? But my love for my homeland and Nation does not change 💪
— Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) August 14, 2021
Doesn’t matter who is here, No matter how hard it is, but I am lovingly ready to live for my dreams 🇦🇫
My dream is to see dear Afghanistan beautiful, calm and progressive 😍
But Zarifa Ghafari is not alone. There are many women achievers who are worried of consequences as Taliban overtakes Afghanistan.
Women journalists are also among those facing an increasing threat after the Taliban takeover. Recently, an unnamed 22-year-old journalist who is on the run narrated her story to The Guardian.
“Last week I was a news journalist. Today I can’t write under my own name or say where I am from or where I am. My whole life has been obliterated in just a few days,” she said.
According to her she had no choice but to flee for her life, as Taliban has taken over the entire province.
“Most of the women and girls I know have also fled the city and are trying to find somewhere safe. I cannot stop thinking and worrying about my friends, my neighbours, my classmates, all the women in Afghanistan,”
Even though Taliban’s chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid promised that the lives of women and opponents would be protected, many are concerned.
At IFORHER, we are in awe of these inspiring brave souls and their courage! These women are Real Heroes as they stand for their dignity and rights!
