International Women’s Day has always been a special and joyful day for women. On this day, women are appreciated and acknowledged. However, it is heartbreaking that for the women of Afghanistan, this day has only remained a dream in their hearts. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, many women in the country faced endless and painful challenges. Under the Taliban’s rule, women are denied basic rights such as the right of education, work, and freedom of expression.
I want to share my personal, painful experience that I had on International Women’s Day after the coming of the Taliban. Before the Taliban took over, I had always participated in International Women’s Day events as a civil society activist. I was passionate and actively involved. During these events, we celebrated the achievements of women, especially Afghanistani women, and acknowledged their hard work.
These events were not only a celebration on women’s rights but also an opportunity to promote gender equality. After the Taliban came, however, everything changed. Two years ago, despite the Taliban’s presence, a few of us female activists decided to plan a modest celebration of Women’s Day. We intended to gather at one of our homes. I felt hopeful and excited. I wore a long white dress with a red veil and painted my nails red.
Since I always had to wear black clothes, I wanted to wear something brighter for that day. I set off. When we approached the Taliban checkpoint, one of them peered into our car. He immediately looked at me with fury and said,” Get out.” I was very scared, and my body began to tremble uncontrollably. He asked where I was going, and I responded, ”I am going to visit a relative.” He looked at my clothes and rudely said, ”What kind of clothes are you wearing?” I nervously asked him, “What’s wrong with them?” He then ordered, “Go home right now and change it. From now on, you are not allowed to leave your house wearing such clothing.”
I couldn’t speak. My throat tightened, and I returned home. I cried for hours, wondering why we, as women and girls, were being humiliated and insulted just because of the color of our clothes. What should have been a day of celebration turned into one of the most painful memories of my life.
Women in Afghanistan are denied their rights and are unfairly judged for their dress and self-expression. But it can not stop us, and we will keep fighting.
– ‘Reha’
Letter received from our students participating in our Mentorship program. Name and text altered for protection of our students and for grammatical changes.
