Aarzo’s Fight for Girls and Women

“We look forward to the day when we have schools and universities re-open, and women are free to work.”

Aarzo, a 25-year-old doctor and social activist, is a beacon of resilience in Afghanistan. Amidst the Taliban’s oppressive policies restricting women, she continues to serve her community on multiple fronts—providing health care services and awareness raising, training young women in nursing and midwifery, and actively engaging in women’s community associations through media platforms.

The Taliban’s return to power had a drastic impact on her life. It stripped her of economic opportunities and her basic rights. Despite all, she has refused to surrender and continues her efforts ato make a difference in her community.

Living in one of the most underdeveloped parts of the country, Aarzo holds a medical degree and has been engaged with the local community for the past four years.  Through her clinic and community engagement programs, she reaches thousands of women offering medical advice, prescriptions and entrepreneurship.

Voluntarily, she trains young women in basic midwifery and nursing. With formal education for women being banned and an enforced gender segregation at the workplace, Aarzo’s informal training is one of the few lifelines for aspiring female healthcare workers.

“In my province, there are no training facilities where women and girls in health, nursing and midwifery. In my clinic, I voluntarily train them to contribute as much as possible so they can learn and gain skills.,” she said with determination.

The Taliban’s repressive policies go beyond education. The economic opportunities have shrunk. Once home to hundreds of community engagement and educational associations, such engagement almost stopped.

Aarzo and her colleagues continue their work voluntarily, engaging through awareness programs covering critical topics such as mental health, suicide prevention, reproductive health, nutrition, and seasonal diseases.

According to Aarzo, the economic crisis has exacerbated the plight of Afghan women. Educated and skilled women, many of whom are the sole providers for their families, are forced to take on whatever work they can find, regardless of their qualifications.

“The Taliban’s rule has caused significant economic, social, and mental problems for the people in our province, especially for women. In the last three and a half years, we have had suicide cases among young women which are not reported. The reasons that we later learned from their families were stress, anxiety, economic issues, and the lack of educational and employment opportunities. Women with master’s and bachelor’s degrees are forced to sit at home as there are no work opportunities where they are willing to do any job as most of them are the sole breadwinners for their families. There will be very few women hopeful for their future as the situation for women is getting worse,” she added.

The Taliban’s recent order to shutdown private midwifery institutions, which until December 2024, served as the only remaining avenue for women to pursue education beyond the sixth grade, led to severe frustration among the women in Afghanistan. 

“Private health institutions provided a window of learning for most women in her province. Young women who graduated from different other fields started learning midwifery, nursing, and other health-related courses in these private institutions until they were banned in December 2024. That was a huge disappointment for the women. I know many girls who were disappointed when they learned those doors were closed,” she stated.

Currently, online learning has become the only alternative—yet even though this is out of reach for most—and seems to be working in the absence of actual schools and universities. When asked about online educational platforms, she said:

“I myself am learning languages and computer courses via online platforms. However, online platforms cannot replace the in-person method of learning. Most of the people in our province are not able to feed their families.  Not every girl can afford the internet, smartphones, or a computer. But it is still an option.”

Aarzo expressed deep frustration over the Islamic world’s stance for not raising the issue of women and girls when engaging with the Taliban. She highlighted that delegations from Islamic countries visiting Afghanistan failed to challenge the Taliban’s oppressive policies. 

She added, “Politics should not come at the cost of human and Islamic rights. Look at our neighboring countries. In Iran girls and women are allowed to go to schools and universities. A woman can be a doctor, an artist, an engineer. Similarly in Pakistan, a woman can be the Prime Minister. Look at the examples of other Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE where women are independent and are allowed to study and work.”

Aarzo believed the Taliban’s representation of Islam tarnished the global image of religion. She stated that their misogynist and dehumanizing policies towards women represented their narrow mindset alone. Aarzo said that, “Islam does not imprison women to their homes and stops them from learning and working.” She ended: “According to the Taliban even voices of women are banned.” Aarzo highlighted the devastating impact of canceled educational scholarships for Afghan girls in Pakistan. Many young women passed the test and received acceptance letters. Later, they were informed that Taliban cancelled those scholarships.

Aarzo also criticized some of the international organizations operating in Afghanistan.

“All they do is publishing quarterly reports while turning a blind eye to the suffering of women and girls.” 

Despite all that is happening, Aarzo is still determined and does not wish to give up. 

Resilience Under Taliban Rule

"It is never too late to initiate a meaningful change"

Born with cerebral palsy in a society already challenging for women, Nadia grew up understanding that education would be her pathway to independence. Her family thought that knowledge was not just enrichment, but rather an essential element for survival. When the Taliban seized Afghanistan in August 2021, she immediately recognized the threat to everything she had built and believed in.

"As someone living with cerebral palsy, education has been my only means of changing the course of my life," Nadia explains.

The December 2023 decree banning women from universities struck her with devastating force. For Nadia, this wasn't simply an academic setback—it was an existential crisis that deepened her isolation and compounded the daily challenges she already faced as a woman with disadvantages in Afghanistan.

The psychological impact was severe. "These restrictions led to a serious mental health crisis as I was diagnosed with depression," she recounts. Her struggles have been magnified by Afghanistan's inadequate mental healthcare system, where resources are scarce and stigma pervasive. The intersecting barriers of disability, gender, and now depression have created layers of exclusion that seem insurmountable.

Yet Nadia refuses to be silenced. Through counselling and what she describes as "relentless determination," she has started to gradually rebuild her sense of purpose once again. "After two years of persistent efforts, I managed to regain my strength, motivation, and enthusiasm for academic pursuits," she says. Denied formal education, she has channelled her intellectual energy into creating an Anatomy Question Guidebook for medical students preparing for their board examinations.

For women with disabilities like Nadia, Taliban rule has created compounding forms of marginalization. "Out of financial necessity and exhaustion, I once attempted to teach at a school," she recalls, "but due to the young age of the students and their difficulty understanding my condition, continuing this became unfeasible for me."

Nadia's story shows the urgent need for an intersectional approach to Afghanistan's crisis. The fight for women's rights cannot be separated from disability justice, mental health advocacy, and broader human rights concerns. What Nadia is going through highlights that how Taliban policies not only eliminate opportunities for women, but it also reinforces societal prejudices that render women with disabilities particularly vulnerable.

For Nadia today, looking towards the future, she plans to launch a website sharing educational resources and study methods by creating accessibility where official spaces have been closed.

Her resilience challenges the notion that Afghan women, particularly those with disabilities, are victims awaiting rescue. She directly confronts the Taliban's religious justifications: "Nowhere in the Holy Quran does it state that women's education is forbidden; in fact, the pursuit of knowledge is an obligation for both men and women."

Despite the darkness in Afghanistan, Nadia remains resolute. "High-ranking officials must understand that Afghan women and girls will never surrender; they will fight for their rights until their last breath," she declares.

"The world is well aware of the Taliban's actions, and there is no need for me or anyone else to relay a message. Reality speaks for itself." To the international community, her message is both a challenge and invitation.

"Nearly four years have elapsed without indications that the Taliban will restore women's access to schools and universities. They do not believe in women’s rights.”

Syeda, a young woman with aspirations in the legal profession, demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout her university studies. She consistently pursued professional development through legal training programs, negotiation workshops, computer courses, and capacity-building initiatives. Each step brought her closer to her professional objectives until the Taliban's seizure of power abruptly disrupted her trajectory.

In 2021, she achieved the highest score on the entrance examination for a an      internship at a law firm that would have established the foundation of her legal career.

"I was on the verge of realizing my professional goals when the Taliban assumed control. Their initial verdict about women included prohibiting female education and women's employment. At the beginning, I maintained optimism that conditions would normalize. However, restrictions were      imposed in succession."

Despite her initial shock at witnessing the Taliban's return to power, Syeda remained hopeful that their      approach to governance had evolved. However, as time progressed, she observed a reversion to policies reminiscent of their previous administration during the 1990s. The Taliban implemented prohibitions methodically and incrementally. They immediately restricted young girls' access to education and systematically excluded women from the legal sector.

"They exhibited particular hostility toward female legal professionals and promptly closed all organizations engaged in legal activities. I attempted to secure employment in alternative fields; however, the Taliban progressively closed those institutions as well."

Subsequently, Syeda enrolled in business education courses specifically designed for Afghan women. She completed coaching certification and began practicing as a business coach. However, this employment did not provide sustainable income.

Commenting on Taliban’s restrictions, Syeda highlighted the profound impact on Afghan women, encompassing economic, societal, and psychological consequences. The absence of economic opportunities has corresponded with increased domestic violence—as women remain confined to domestic spaces while men struggle with unemployment. Women have been experiencing various financial, psychological, and societal challenges. Everyone has a different story,  invariably characterized by hardship and distress.

In Afghanistan, unemployment is at its peak, and it has not affected only women, but men as well. Previously, she maintained financial independence, which was no longer the case. Numerous women who were primary household providers are now confined to domestic settings. She was familiar with families who struggled to put food on their tables on a daily basis. This situation has precipitated anxiety, depression, and despair.

Considering the potential reopening of educational institutions, Syeda expresses minimal optimism, however she is determined to continue her educational development despite constraints.

"Currently, I am enrolled in online courses covering business, academic writing, and computer applications offered by international institutions. While these programs provide valuable learning opportunities, they cannot substitute for in-person learning. But they are the only alternative we have now.”

Syeda critiqued the Taliban's interpretation of Islam, emphasizing that their treatment of women contradicts authentic Islamic principles. She asserted that the Taliban have instrumentalized Islam as a mechanism for female subjugation, noting that Islam recognizes women's rights, while the Taliban have misrepresented the religion's fundamental tenets.

"The Taliban's interpretation of Islam diverges significantly from the religion's authentic teachings. Islam acknowledges women's rights. Historically, Muslim women have served as scholars, business leaders, and influential societal figures. In Afghanistan, women occupied important positions in political and entrepreneurial domains. However, neither the broader Islamic world nor the international community has adequately addressed the Taliban's actions."

Syeda described the horrific picture of life under the Taliban.

“Women are cursed and beaten on the streets. I feel like women do not have any rights.  They are scared and frightened. Those who raise their voices are detained, imprisoned or killed.”

She felt disappointed for her and the future of millions of girls and women in Afghanistan.

    "I perceive a complete absence of positive developments. We are prohibited from participating in educational or literary events. Women have been systematically excluded from all public domains. This situation has driven some women and girls to commit suicide. We inhabit our country as though we are strangers. There is a      pervasive sense of dispossession. "

Razia's Vision for Women Empowerment

“To empower women, we must first educate them about their basic rights within their own homes. Understanding this principle led me to establish my organization.”

On one of the darkest days of August 2021, Razia sat in her office, deeply immersed in planning the future of the organization she had built with relentless effort. Her phone rang. It was her husband, his voice filled with anxiety: "The Taliban have entered Kabul." Without hesitation, Razia left her office and rushed home in fear. She remembers that day as the ‘darkest’ moment of her life. Though much of what she had envisioned and worked for was shattered with the Taliban’s return, she managed to keep her organization alive, one of the few places that desperately needed help.

From her university days, Razia had plans to establish an organization focused on empowering women. Her experience volunteering with similar organizations during her studies inspired this endeavor. After earning a degree in economics in 2020, she founded her own NGO with the support of her family and friends. She stated that awareness must start at home to improve the situation of women in Afghanistan. This principle served as the foundation of her organization’s work:

"Discrimination and violence against women begin within families and extend to society. To empower women, we must first educate them about their basic rights within their own homes. Understanding this principle led me to establish this organization."

Running a nonprofit that supports women in oppressive regimes is challenging. However, the exceptional support Razia receives from her family, and her determination have made her a source of inspiration. Her organization provides crucial aid such as cash assistance and home-based education courses to promote women's rights.

Contrary to the Taliban’s misogynistic attitude and policies towards women that they claim constitutes Afghan culture, Razia’s family has been her greatest ally.

However, as the Taliban tightened their grip, Razia’s social life – and that of many other women – became severely restricted. Many of her friends fled the country, while those who stayed were confined to their homes. Casual gatherings turned into brief, cautious meetings in restaurants, where the risk of being confronted by the Taliban’s morality police was ever-present.

One day, as she stepped out of a restaurant, five of Taliban’s officers stopped her because a small part of her hair was visible. They interrogated, humiliated, and threatened her. She was there to meet a friend after a long time:

“I was terrified," she recalls. "For a long time, I didn’t leave my house. It was a bitter experience." She added, "My husband and I always carry our marriage certificate to avoid issues at Taliban checkpoints."

The Taliban’s restrictions are not the only challenge Razia faces. The suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid has directly impacted relief organizations like hers. Just three months ago, her NGO had tens of employees across three provinces – now, that number has dwindled to a few due to the fund cuts.

Despite the Taliban's restrictions, Razia continues her work using online platforms. The internet has become vital for Afghan women, opening possibilities beyond physical constraints.

“The only place the Taliban haven't fully controlled yet is online education,” she notes. “Depression among young girls has skyrocketed, but through these virtual platforms, we can motivate them to fight for their future.”

Using digital tools, Razia keeps her organization running and connects isolated women to education and community. Her persistence despite limited resources and increasing dangers exemplifies the determination of many Afghan women who fight for their rights and a better future.

Through digital tools, Razia maintains her organization's operations while connecting isolated women to education and community. Her persistence in the face of shrinking resources and growing dangers represents the determination of countless Afghan women who refuse to surrender their rights or their vision of a different future.

Zubaida

A symbol of courage and determination

Zubaida, a young lecturer with a degree in political science and a deep understanding of Islamic Sharia, found herself sidelined after the Taliban seized power. Well-versed in Islamic knowledge, she seeks to challenge the Taliban’s narrative and expose their misinterpretations. However, for a woman of her status, there is no space, especially in the public sphere, without grave risks to her and her family’s safety. She cites Quranic verses which emphasized the importance of girls’ education and women’s rights, stating:

“In the Quran, whenever there is emphasis on learning, it applies to both men and women.”

She cites historical precedents from the life of the Prophet Muhammad, and mentions:

“Prophet Muhammad never prohibited women from learning or entering the mosque in search of education. Muslim women were successful businesswomen, lawyers, and scholars throughout Islamic history.”

She also talks about the powerful women figures of Afghanistan, such as Rabia Balkhi (a poet), Nazo Ana (a poet and writer), and Gawhar Shaad Begum (an educator), who have historically contributed to knowledge-building and civilization in Afghanistan. For Zubaida, engaging with the Taliban is difficult and challenging.

“It is hard to reason with those who reject human rights, who do not value public opinion and who refuse to listen.”

Under the Taliban’s rule, Afghanistan has lost two decades of progress overnight. Restrictions continue to expand, especially on women and girls.

“Taliban’s restrictions on women have no religious basis. That is their own narrow mindset, not Islam.”

She further adds that when one reads Islam and Islamic jurisprudence, one finds that the Taliban’s policies are in contradiction to the Islamic teachings. There is no room for such abusive policies.

After being removed from her formal teaching position, just because she is a woman, Zubaida currently teaches on her own in multiple virtual platforms. Through those virtual platforms, she continues to educate women and girls. These online platforms are helping girls and women continue their learning process, yet they cannot substitute for the in-person classes in a country like Afghanistan, where access to electricity, internet and technological equipment are scarce.

Life under the Taliban is full of mental stress, and many young women have faced severe mental health disorders. Zubaida suffered from deep psychological problems. Speaking further on the Taliban’s oppressions, she struggles to find the right words to express her troubles.

“I have gone through a terrible time, and I am not able to describe the pain.”

She always tells her fellow women to stay strong as there is light after every darkness.

Zubaida thinks that it is the responsibility of every nation to raise its voice and play its role in establishing an inclusive government in the country, because it is the fight for a basic human rights issue.

She also emphasizes the role of the international community in striving for an inclusive government in Afghanistan, where the rights of every citizen are respected and where everyone lives in dignity.

“Those nations who believe in human rights, and women’s rights, should take the matter of Afghanistan seriously. If this is not addressed adequately, it will have repercussions all over the world.”

Zubaida believes that Afghan men also suffer from the Taliban’s brutal policies. Those who raise their voice are imprisoned and silenced. She also highlights that Islamic scholars worldwide have not taken the issue of women’s rights seriously and prefer not to raise that issue. 

“The Islamic countries should be serious when they engage with the Taliban.”

Recalling the immense achievements for women’s rights in Afghanistan, Zubaida says that “even during the former government, the situation was not too ideal for women. Our society is male-dominant; however, it still progressed. There were awareness-raising campaigns, movements, and efforts among women, and women fully participated in all aspects of life.”

Holding onto hope, she sends a critical message to Afghan women.

“I always tell my Afghan sisters to keep learning and to not stay behind, because when everything gets back to normal, their time is not wasted. These dark days cannot last longer, and I believe change is coming soon. We witnessed change after the Taliban rule for the first time, and I believe that change will come again.”

Nooria: Navigating Women’s Business Under the Taliban

Nooria earned her law degree in 2018. Before the Taliban's control of Afghanistan, she started a business while at university, providing event-management services with other young women. A few years ago, she won an award for successful women in small businesses. Nooria remembers that day vividly and recalls:

"It was one of the most unforgettable days of my life. I gave a speech at the event."

Nooria's entrepreneurial talent led her to become a business mentor in 2019, inspiring women aspiring to launch their own small businesses. Despite her passion for entrepreneurship, her ultimate ambition was to work within the judiciary, aligning with her academic background. She successfully applied for a position at a provincial appellate court and was scheduled to start her duties as a judge in the spring of 2022. The return of the Taliban to power ended Mahna’s aspiration of becoming a judge.

Following the Taliban's takeover, Nooria confined herself to her home for two months, consumed by profound sorrow and spending her nights in tears. Her resolve to take action was sparked by a visit from a woman who had previously launched her business under Nooria’s mentorship: “The poor woman said she had to sell her household belongings just to buy some rice and cooking oil. Her voice still echoes in my ears."

This encounter shook Nooria. She made up her mind to take a risk. She reconnected with her network of women entrepreneurs and coordinated efforts to restart their businesses. Eventually, she managed to gather a couple of other women and, through negotiations with local Taliban officials, organized an exhibition to showcase their products.

Nooria recalls her first encounter with the Taliban: "A group of us women went to the office of a Taliban official, dressed in the attire they required. We appealed to their support by referencing religious texts and the fact that the first businesswoman in Islam was Bibi Khadija, the wife of Prophet Muhammad. To our surprise, that Taliban official welcomed our initiative with a pleasant tone."

After securing the Taliban's approval, Nooria focused all her energy on coordinating and strengthening women's businesses. As a result, she and her peers successfully organized multiple exhibitions. During challenging times, she provided support for women who started small businesses out of necessity. Over the past three years, she has worked with nearly 900 women in marketing and organizing exhibitions.

For Nooria and the women under her support, things seemed to be going fine – until the Taliban banned women’s products exhibitions altogether.

She explains that most women who turned to small businesses after the Taliban takeover did so not out of passion but desperation – university students barred from education, government employees fired for being women, and schoolgirls forbidden from studying beyond sixth grade. Their small businesses were the only remaining glimmer of hope. Now, with the new restrictions, even that last hope is fading.

Having endured immense emotional strain over the past three years, Nooria says the stress has aged her by 13 years. To cope, she reads books and watches comedy films and reality TV shows in her spare time.

The Taliban’s increasing restrictions on women and individual freedoms have led Nooria to believe that unless the Taliban leadership changes its approach, there is no hope for improvement. Now that trade shows and exhibitions are banned, she fears the Taliban will erase women from all aspects of public life, ultimately imposing complete confinement upon them. Looking at the pattern of restrictions, she envisions a terrifying future – a repeat of the bitter era before 2001, when women could not even step outside their homes without a male guardian.