Taliban: Afghan Women Getting Help From Advocacy Groups Worldwide (See How)

Women’s rights and lives are at risk in Afghanistan as a result of the Taliban’s takeover of the country.

Between 1996 to 2001, when the Taliban was in control, women were prohibited access to school and work. Girls were not permitted to attend school, and women may only be seen in public with a male escort and with their bodies completely covered. Disobedience to these tight regulations resulted in harsh punishments ranging from beatings to execution.

Women’s rights in Afghanistan have improved since 2001. The number of girls enrolling in school has increased, while child death rates have dropped. However, if the Taliban reclaims control, that development may be reversed fast.

According to Shabia Mantoo, a spokesman for the United Nations Refugee Agency, 80 percent of the roughly 250,000 individuals forced to abandon their homes in Afghanistan since the end of May have been women and children. According to a United Nations study issued last month, the number of women and children killed and injured surged in May and June, about the same time as the United States and other foreign troops began withdrawing their remaining soldiers from Afghanistan.

“Please remember the Afghan women and girls in your prayers. A tragedy is playing out right in front of our eyes “UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo said. “We’re keeping a careful eye on the situation in #Afghanistan. Our group is secure.