Afghan Women Reflect on Their Lives Under Taliban Rule: A Plea for the Years Taken Away.
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Summary
The BBC is dedicating the day to engaging with women throughout Afghanistan to gain insight into their experiences under the Taliban regime since its resurgence in 2021.
The Taliban's edicts aim to suppress women's voices in public life, prohibit their education beyond the age of 12, mandate full-body coverings, and impose travel restrictions.
A midwife expresses, "As women, we have nowhere to go; we cannot even step outside for a day."
Following the Taliban's return, an athlete recounts her efforts to "erase every photo and piece of evidence" of her past, even going so far as to burn her certificates "out of fear."
United Nations experts have characterized the Taliban's policies as a form of gender apartheid, while the Taliban government has previously asserted its commitment to women's rights, interpreting them through the lens of Afghan culture and Islamic law.
Many women participating in today's discussions have chosen not to disclose their names due to concerns about potential repercussions.
Live Reporting
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What freedoms do you miss the most?
published at 06:21
06:21
We have received additional inquiries for the women we are conversing with today. Please reach out via Your Voice Your BBC News if you wish to pose your own questions.
Aleeza, a 19-year-old from Manchester, inquires: What activities or freedoms do you miss the most that are no longer accessible under the current restrictions? Do you harbor hope for the future of Afghan women, or are there specific fears that weigh heavily on you at this time?
We presented these questions to Lima, an 18-year-old singer who utilizes AI to compensate for the support she would typically receive from friends.
"I used to practice taekwondo before the takeover. I miss it terribly. We were like a team, girls riding bicycles. Everyone was cycling before the Taliban government. I miss my friends; one is in America, and I have lost contact with the others. I feel powerless. I enjoy sports, particularly combat sports like MMA and kickboxing. I like to defend myself in every way. I am the youngest in my family."
"I feel so numb, so hopeless. I cannot envision anything." It is difficult to imagine a situation more challenging than this. The men in my nation often express their willingness to provide support. However, I find myself apprehensive about the prospect of marriage and the potential loss of my parents. Additionally, I feel constrained in my choice of attire, unable to wear the clothes I cherish. What course of action should I take?
I wish to convey a message of resilience and perseverance to all the women in my country.
Source@BBC
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