politics

The Taliban have built a system for enslaving women in Afghanistan

Five years on, the regime’s chokehold has left Afghan women with almost nothing, but many are still bravely fighting for their freedom

The Taliban have built a system for enslaving women in Afghanistan

TL;DR

  • The Taliban's system is described as enslavement for women and girls in Afghanistan.
  • Laws regarding women's rights are manipulated, such as the abolition of the minimum marriage age.
  • Economic hardship, exacerbated by the Taliban, leads some families to sell young daughters.
  • Domestic violence is legitimized as 'corrective beating'.
  • Divorce rights are restricted, shelters for abused women are closed, and a 'morality police' pursue escapees.
  • Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of female suicide, with limited treatment options for survivors.
  • The number of female doctors is declining due to emigration, retirement, and bans on girls' education.
  • Afghan women are actively fighting for their freedom by organizing secret schools, documenting violations, and protesting.
  • Despite awareness in the international community, action to address the situation has been limited.