What is the Taliban?
The Taliban is a terrorist group that ruled Afghanistan for many years. They were violent and cruel and made life hell for Afghans, especially women. The Taliban believe that women should not study, have jobs or even step out of the home alone.
In 2021, the Taliban came back to power in Afghanistan. This time they promised that they would allow women to keep their freedom.
If they’re so bad, how did they even come to power again?
The army of the United States was in Afghanistan for the past 20 years keeping the Taliban away from taking control of the government. When they left in 2021, the Taliban quickly took control of the government of Afghanistan.
Did the Taliban keep any of its promises?
The Taliban broke their promises in no time. First, they banned women from driving and girls from studying beyond class six. Now they have mandated that all women must wear burqas. If any woman disobeys this rule, a male member of their family will be sent to prison. The Taliban also mandated that women only leave their homes if they take a man with them.
How are Afghan women reacting to this ban?
How would you feel if someone suddenly banned you from doing all your favourite things like going to school, wearing whatever you want, or going on a drive with your mother?
The Afghan women are sad and angry. They organised two protests in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital. One protestor said that women are human beings too. They deserve to be free, not kept locked up inside houses.
The Taliban were defeated once. Here’s hoping they will be defeated again, someday soon. Till then, we can only hope and pray for Afghan women.