Women in Afghanistan: A Struggle for Rights and Freedom

2025-01-15

We are honored to share the highlights from our recent lecture organized by the Jvanah Organization in collaboration with Hägerstensåsens medborgarhus. On January 15, 2025, we gathered at the library in Hägerstensåsens medborgarhus to discuss the history and current challenges faced by women in Afghanistan.

Understanding Women’s Struggles in Afghanistan

The lecture provided a comprehensive historical overview of Afghan women’s rights, from the early 20th century to today’s challenges under Taliban rule. Our speakers detailed how each political era shaped the freedoms and limitations imposed on women.

A Journey Through History

The event covered key historical milestones, including:

Early reforms (1919–1980s): Amanullah Khan’s government introduced the first modern women’s rights reforms, including voting rights and educational opportunities. However, conservative opposition forced him into exile. Later, leaders like Mohammad Zahir Shah and Daud Khan attempted to reinstate women’s rights by opening schools and appointing women to governmental positions.
Soviet Era (1979–1989): The Soviet-backed government introduced mandatory education for girls and established laws against child marriage. However, following the Soviet withdrawal, Afghanistan plunged into civil war, with conservative Mujahideen forces restricting women’s rights once again.
Taliban Rule (1996–2001): Under Taliban control, women were stripped of fundamental rights, including education and employment. Strict dress codes, mobility restrictions, and social segregation were enforced through violence and repression.
Post-2001 Progress and Challenges: The fall of the Taliban brought new hope, with advancements in women’s education, workforce participation, and legal protections such as the EVAW (Elimination of Violence Against Women) law. However, progress was uneven, particularly in rural areas.
The Return of the Taliban (2021–Present): With the Taliban regaining power, women once again face severe restrictions. Girls are banned from secondary and higher education, women are excluded from most workplaces, and strict mobility laws are enforced. Many activists continue to resist, despite facing threats and violence.

A Powerful Discussion

Following the lecture, we invited attendees to participate in a discussion about the ongoing crisis and how we, as an international community, can contribute to meaningful change. Key topics included:

The importance of continued advocacy for Afghan women’s rights.
Ways to support educational initiatives and humanitarian aid.
The role of international pressure in influencing policy changes.

Looking Forward

We are incredibly grateful to all participants for their engagement and passion. The event reaffirmed the urgency of supporting Afghan women and ensuring their voices are heard. As Jvanah, we remain committed to providing educational opportunities and raising awareness about the struggles faced by Afghan women.

Join Us in Making a Difference

While the lecture has ended, the fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan continues. You can support our mission by:

Following us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives.
Volunteering your time or expertise to contribute to our programs.
Donating to help expand our educational resources for Afghan women.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

Our speakers for their insightful presentations.
Attendees for their engagement and thought-provoking discussions.
Hägerstensåsens medborgarhus for their collaboration and support.

Together, we can be a voice for Afghan women and their right to education and freedom.

Warm regards,
The Jvanah Team