This report begins with an overview of Afghanistan’s current human rights landscape, then sheds light on the new movement of Afghan women, who have stepped up to fill a gap left behind by other civil society activists who were forced to leave Afghanistan after the fall of the country to the Taliban. The report explores the motivations and aspirations of women protesters who rose up – despite serious risks to themselves – to publicly counter the Taliban, outlining challenges they faced in defending civic space and asserting their human rights. The report further examines the new ways in which emerging women’s groups are organizing and how the international community can support them as they build a new movement under difficult and vastly different circumstances than their predecessors. In addition to protests, Afghan women are resisting through other forms, including secret schools, advocacy groups, book clubs, small businesses, and sewing circles, creating resilient networks of empowerment and education under difficult circumstances.
Recognizing the persistent struggle of Afghan women against the systematic erasure of their voices, Femena seeks to amplify these voices. We aim to outline how international actors and current activists hope to learn from past mistakes, as they look forward. Finally, the report provides recommendations on how to support the emerging women’s movement in the country.
These women are facing formidable challenges and yet receive minimal support – both within Afghanistan’s borders and beyond. However, meaningful solidarity is required to sustain this struggle. Femena dedicates this brief report to each and every woman hoping to see a free Afghanistan someday.