"Freedom of Education and Employment" Afghan Women's Protest Spreads to Kabul, the Capital

Afghan women held a protest on the 3rd (local time) in downtown Kabul, demanding the Taliban regime protect their rights. During the Taliban's previous five-year rule (1996?2001), women were deprived of opportunities for education and work, were not allowed to go outside without wearing a burqa covering their entire body, and forced marriages were widespread.

In Afghanistan, where social control has tightened following the Taliban's takeover, women held street protests for two consecutive days demanding the protection of their rights.

According to foreign media including AP News and local outlets on the 4th, about 20 Afghan women protested near the presidential palace in the capital Kabul the previous day, calling for education and employment opportunities, as well as freedom.

The protests in Kabul followed a demonstration by 50 women in the western city of Herat the day before, spreading the movement.

The protesters marched through the streets holding signs that read "Include women in the cabinet" and "Freedom is our motto."

Although the number of participants was small, the situation was unsafe as Taliban members patrolled the streets armed with guns.

During their previous rule (1996?2001), the Taliban strictly controlled society under Sharia (Islamic law). Women were particularly deprived of employment and educational opportunities and were not allowed to go out without a male guardian.

The newly established Taliban government has stated it will respect women's rights, unlike before, but most employment opportunities for women remain restricted.

There have even been reports of a woman being shot for not wearing a burqa (a garment covering the face with black cloth). It is also known that women will likely not be included in the soon-to-be-announced new government cabinet.

The Taliban were reportedly near the protest site on the day but did not actively suppress the demonstrations.

As women continued their protests day after day, voices of encouragement flooded social media (SNS).

Human rights organization Amnesty International tweeted, "Women's rights in Afghanistan are under threat, but they have refused to remain silent."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.