On International Women’s Day, small groups of Afghan women gathered in private spaces to demand the lifting of harsh restrictions on their freedoms despite recent Taliban crackdowns on protests leading to activists’ detention.
The Purple Saturdays group activists organized demonstrations in different locations, including Takhar and Balkh provinces, with women holding up signs advocating for rights, justice, and freedom. Despite the fear of reprisals, these women spoke out against the oppressive Taliban regime.
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett called on the Taliban government to release all detained human rights defenders, especially women and girls advocating for their rights. The Taliban’s restrictions on women, such as the dress code and education bans, have led to increased poverty and isolation for Afghan women.
The UN, UNAMA, and other international organizations have urged the Taliban to lift restrictions on women and girls, warning of deeper poverty and isolation if these rights are not respected. The international community stands in solidarity with Afghan women in their fight for basic human rights.