As The Taliban Takes Over Afghanistan, These Brave Women Go To The Streets To Fight For Their Rights
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan’s government has already caused disarray and raised a great deal of concern about citizens’ future. According to recent news, once the Taliban, an Islamist military organization, took the power, people of Afghanistan immediately started leaving the country. The motive for this was the past experience of the Taliban ruling the country from 1996 to 2001. Having in mind how severe their rule was, people wanted to leave the country at all costs. Some of these people actually sacrificed their lives by clinging to a moving military plane, which they fell from.
For those who couldn’t run away, the future seems vague and scary. However, this didn’t stop 4 brave women from speaking their minds. Recently, a video of 4 Afghan women marching in the streets of Kabul demanding their rights went viral on social media.
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As the Taliban takes over rule of Afghanistan, people are full of uncertainty, fear and doubts about their future
The Taliban is known for strictly following Islamic law. In the past, they restricted women by only focusing on the importance of their household, and banned television and music. Having this in mind, women went to the streets to claim their freedom. This act has caused a public debate. Some people were fascinated by their bravery, agreeing that nothing has ever changed without confrontation. However, some people were skeptical and stating that they were putting themselves at risk without gaining an actual win.
These 4 women decided to take a risk and go to the streets of Kabul demanding their rights
Image credits: AlinejadMasih
How did the Taliban react to all of this? According to Zabihullah Mujahid, an official Taliban spokesman, they have no intentions to limit women’s rights. 20 years have passed since the Taliban was first leading the country and their views have changed throughout the years. In his speech, Mujahid stated that girls will be able to receive education and women will be able to go to work and engage in political life. But all of this positive news was met skeptically by people.
Image credits: AlinejadMasih
As the country is in fear and uncertainty, acts like these can change the course of events. What is clear from the statement that these four women made is that they don’t want to go back in time when they had no right to express their opinions.
What do you think about this situation? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!
Besides people online praising these women for being brave, some skeptics believe that these women are only putting themselves in danger
Image credits: PitterHartman
Image credits: LucyPeony
Image credits: pchomostnet
Image credits: richvelasquezc
Image credits: davidgaw
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Share on FacebookThe comment made by Rich Velasquez above is so upsetting. Not only do they not understand feminism, but they clearly have no idea whatsoever what will happen to these Women in Afghanistan. It's easy to judge from your armchair when you are in no danger.
If 4 women have the guts to stand up against returning to medieval times where women hardly count as human beings, so should all the feminists no matter their gender. If you're concerned about your rights, you should show it in public. Although the Taliban claim that they are not going to oppress women, they also made it clear that Sharia law will be enforced in Afghanistan. Sharia law is even more misogynistic than the entire incel movement. Incels want women to be submissive, but can't enforce it. Sharia law will enforce it.
Load More Replies...The Taliban saying that it will respect the rights of women is like the KKK saying it will respect the rights of POCs, or the Westboro Baptist Church saying it will respect the rights of LGBTQ people.
Load More Replies...Is it fair to ask "where are the other women?' or "where are the men?". What these women are doing is unquestionably brave, but it's also incredibly dangerous. They're not only exposing themselves as opposition to a dangerous terrorist organization but also exposing their families as potential sympathizers. Can we really blame others for choosing to stay safe and alive instead of standing up for what is right?
My son was asking me this last night, what I would do in this situation. He was shocked that I said "nothing," I honestly couldn't endanger my beloved family's right to life for the protest of my personal rights. If I was single and had no one depending in me, then there would be a possibility.
Load More Replies...No matter your faith, pray for these women. Brave, beautiful women, be safe. ❤
How about I try to find a reputable charitable site for women's rights in this country to donate to? I think it will do far more. Although, I keep thinking if Bezos could just take an interest....
Load More Replies...What these women are doing is incredibly brave but I fear it will not end well for them.
Apparently this faction of the Taliban are a little different from the ones 20 years ago. They're saying that they'll include women and religious minorities in the government while also letting them work and study. Analysts are saying that there is no guarantee that they'll do this, but seeing as they desperately need international recognition, they might actually do so. The worst case scenario is a repeat of 2001 and the best case scenario is ending up like Saudi Arabia ( not great but livable)
Load More Replies...The truth of the matter is that those women are not likely going to be seen again. Worse is the fact that nobody joined them and the Taliban will use that as 'proof' that the people don't want women to have rights. It's easy enough to fight for your rights, but to actually die for them is another. We have our marches and protests because we know the law is on our side and we are not going to die. These women are standing there, KNOWING that they will most likely die.
Does anyone remember what the soccer stadium was used for under previous Taliban rule? Women were taken out into the field & shot dead for what these women are doing. Yes, it's brave, but I fear this won't end well for them. In order to "negotiate" with the Taliban Trump had the man who is now the leader released from a Pakistani prison to bring him for talks. They do not negotiate. They lie. There isn't going to be any more for women than there was before. Just the other day the Taliban came knocking on a woman's door ordering her to make food for them. She told them she was poor & had none. They beat her to death & set the house on fire. The daughter is in hiding fearing for her life. This is who they are. They'll kill you soon as looking at you. This is what they're up against. They're barbaric. The US keeps 54,000 troops in Germany. Thousands in Italy, Japan, South Korea. But not in Syria to protect the Kurds & not here for the sake of women & children. Shame.
I don't always believe what I see. This could be a setup for other nations to see the changed Taliban before things settle down and get really dirty.
Yes, I heard they are on a "good" media blitz to keep stability and foreign aid.
Load More Replies...The most heartbreaking part in what is happening now in Afghanistan is to think that women protesting like this are not at the beginning of a potentially successful uprising. On the contrary, this is the end of the story and the bad guys have won. You cannot expect the international community to do anything about that since the foreign forces just left after 20 YEARS of completely failed attempts at containing the Taliban. So, while I understand the majority of population is resigning themselves and just waiting for the state of permanent civil war to cool down a bit, I also can understand that some women stand up like this, not out of hope but out of despair. They'd just rather die than submit once again and live as slaves.
Respect the bravery, but kinda wish they wouldn't. Can't see it having any kind of influence and could definitely see them suffering harsh consequences.
Sad part is that the Taliban just negotiate and the Afghan government complies. Like Biden said: "Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves." Despite getting trained, funded and supported by over 30 countries during the last 20 years, the Afghan army is no match for a group of terrorists. They have gotten more than $80 billion on support. Seems that none of that money did any good.
May I quietly say that perhaps they prefer religious government? Why are we (the west) so fixated on forcing democraty on every culture. They obviously prefer theirs. I don't understand it, but I don't have to. It's their right not to fight the talibans. As our country was in a similar position, people went to the streets and fought. Lokal troops fought. It was obvious what people wanted. And nobody fled.
Load More Replies...Lucy from her couch from a country whose leaders triggered this hole chaos, asking the afghanis to risk their lives and protest with these women...
In case you haven't noticed, current feminist movement of 3rd wave is no longer about women's rights. Actual feminists are now marginalized. Let me give you a test if you want to reveal who is for women's rights and who is just pretending to be. Linda Sarsour vs Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Who would you vote for?
I can't describe how bad-ass those women are, just wow, they obviously know the risks and still have the balls to do it. What those people are going through is awful, the taliban are backward savages, I hope they all rot in hell.
I don't think it changes the sentiment, but once again, requires critical thinking. Not something you're very good at.
What would you do? Yes you may put your family in danger by protesting, but if you have daughters, sisters, aunts, mothers - all these are potentially in danger just by being a woman with the Taliban in charge. Who was it who said that silence is complicit? There have been many brave men and women from oppressive regimes who have put themselves in danger by speaking out against brutality and violation of human rights. Dare I equate this to apartheid, when many black men and women were beaten, imprisoned etc for standing up for their rights, but they won eventually. And we remember them as heroes. Did anyone bother to tell Nelson Mandela not to campaign against the regime in South Africa because of what they might do to his family? What if we all stayed silent, scared to speak out? What would have become of some of the Jewish people who were rescued at great risk to their rescuers? These women were no doubt scared to death, but stood up anyway. That's real bravery.
the rest of the world don't care! the WOMANS of the world don't care! they prefered to protest in occident where womans have right to go to school, to drive, to work... to LIVE! while in these shitty place where religion dictated everything womans barely have the right to breath. f**k religions!
these 4 brave women know very well that they could be killed for it, and they do it anyway. we in our homes, with our jobs and our rights, can't imagine at all how horrible the situation in afghanistan must be. i take my hat off to these women. i would never be so brave. (and to ask why there are not more, or why their husbands, fathers or male relatives are there ... that is really naive!)
Those brave women are putting themselves in extreme danger. It makes me so sad that there is nobody there to protect them
I worry now, not just about the women in this country but on the world's reaction and what will happen in the future. I do hope I am wrong but I feel we are all going to become involved in this and many, many lives are going to be lost. They are doing endless damage to the many Asians in the West who live quite, peaceful lives beside the damage that seems like the future for their country.
I tried to see what I, myself, can do to help these women. Several governments are taking steps to evacuate the locals who collaborated with the NATO troops throughout the years (together with their families). We can put pressure on the officials to speed up the process and offer visas and political asylum to those who helped our troops. In my country this is currently under discussion; a (hopefully favourable) decision will be made in a few days. A local NGO is gathering signatures in favour of this option. Others are preparing to receive refugees - I know it because I've been donating to them several times. There are also international NGOs trying to help those in immediate danger (especially women), such as Women for Afghan Women. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. As for the 4 brave women, and others who oppose the talibans, I hope they'd be safe. Can't help noticing that no man is supporting them, let alone the Afghan army.
Rich Velasquez is a moron. ALL feminists are true ones. And all women are oppressed since we are still seen as less than by the world. Do certain women have it worse? Of course! But that doesn't mean the entire world can't benefit from feminism. There is no one "true" for of oppression. Oppression comes in many different ways. Being seen as not a human being even if we do have "rights" is still one of them.
The worst part is nothing to do with the oppression they may or may not face, or the lack of protesters, it's the fact that the US and UK forces waltzed in on the back of lies, fought an unwinnable war, and now have ignored the warnings that exactly this would happen and withdrawn troops anyway. Why does it feel like they've come to an underhanded arrangement with the Taliban??
You really have NO idea what started the Afghanistan imbroglio, do you?
Load More Replies...Well done to them. I hope it inspires other women to do the same. If they can stand up together in solidarity, the Taliban will have no option but to think about it.
They have another, far more violent option which they tend to favor.
Load More Replies...Place every aspect of this travesty on the doorstep of Joe Biden and those who are taking advantage of a man who is clearly suffering from an advanced stage of dementia. Unfortunately, all the luck in the world will not spare the Afghanistan people from unspeakable cruelty. And no other country will come to their aid.
The author said "I hope for more women to join them". Really? you want more women to hold signs and get killed. You think these women are making a difference against the taliban? They waited 20 years to take control but you think they are no match for 4 middle aged women with signs. This is such a priveleged American notion. How about you pick up a gun and fight for your country.
20 years of north american military getting killed and wasted money and training. the taliban doesnt f**k around, you could have EVERY SINGLE AFGHANI there to protest and they would be hit with a rocket
Load More Replies...You had me until you said 90% white FEMALE. I think women everywhere have a better grip on just how dangerous this is for these women than most men. I'm hearing men here in the US saying that these women need to stand up for themselves. This is far more serious than making the same amount of money. This is their very life, and if they choose not to put that on the line for their principles, I get that. Sometimes your life, here and now is more important. And think, some of them are mothers. I remember a quote from a movie (not a great movies, but the quote hit home) about the American Revolution where the colonists wanted a man to join them, and he said "I'm a parent, I don't have the luxury of principles". When it's life and death, sometimes you need to put the welfare of your family and yourself first. I see no cowardice there.
Load More Replies...The comment made by Rich Velasquez above is so upsetting. Not only do they not understand feminism, but they clearly have no idea whatsoever what will happen to these Women in Afghanistan. It's easy to judge from your armchair when you are in no danger.
If 4 women have the guts to stand up against returning to medieval times where women hardly count as human beings, so should all the feminists no matter their gender. If you're concerned about your rights, you should show it in public. Although the Taliban claim that they are not going to oppress women, they also made it clear that Sharia law will be enforced in Afghanistan. Sharia law is even more misogynistic than the entire incel movement. Incels want women to be submissive, but can't enforce it. Sharia law will enforce it.
Load More Replies...The Taliban saying that it will respect the rights of women is like the KKK saying it will respect the rights of POCs, or the Westboro Baptist Church saying it will respect the rights of LGBTQ people.
Load More Replies...Is it fair to ask "where are the other women?' or "where are the men?". What these women are doing is unquestionably brave, but it's also incredibly dangerous. They're not only exposing themselves as opposition to a dangerous terrorist organization but also exposing their families as potential sympathizers. Can we really blame others for choosing to stay safe and alive instead of standing up for what is right?
My son was asking me this last night, what I would do in this situation. He was shocked that I said "nothing," I honestly couldn't endanger my beloved family's right to life for the protest of my personal rights. If I was single and had no one depending in me, then there would be a possibility.
Load More Replies...No matter your faith, pray for these women. Brave, beautiful women, be safe. ❤
How about I try to find a reputable charitable site for women's rights in this country to donate to? I think it will do far more. Although, I keep thinking if Bezos could just take an interest....
Load More Replies...What these women are doing is incredibly brave but I fear it will not end well for them.
Apparently this faction of the Taliban are a little different from the ones 20 years ago. They're saying that they'll include women and religious minorities in the government while also letting them work and study. Analysts are saying that there is no guarantee that they'll do this, but seeing as they desperately need international recognition, they might actually do so. The worst case scenario is a repeat of 2001 and the best case scenario is ending up like Saudi Arabia ( not great but livable)
Load More Replies...The truth of the matter is that those women are not likely going to be seen again. Worse is the fact that nobody joined them and the Taliban will use that as 'proof' that the people don't want women to have rights. It's easy enough to fight for your rights, but to actually die for them is another. We have our marches and protests because we know the law is on our side and we are not going to die. These women are standing there, KNOWING that they will most likely die.
Does anyone remember what the soccer stadium was used for under previous Taliban rule? Women were taken out into the field & shot dead for what these women are doing. Yes, it's brave, but I fear this won't end well for them. In order to "negotiate" with the Taliban Trump had the man who is now the leader released from a Pakistani prison to bring him for talks. They do not negotiate. They lie. There isn't going to be any more for women than there was before. Just the other day the Taliban came knocking on a woman's door ordering her to make food for them. She told them she was poor & had none. They beat her to death & set the house on fire. The daughter is in hiding fearing for her life. This is who they are. They'll kill you soon as looking at you. This is what they're up against. They're barbaric. The US keeps 54,000 troops in Germany. Thousands in Italy, Japan, South Korea. But not in Syria to protect the Kurds & not here for the sake of women & children. Shame.
I don't always believe what I see. This could be a setup for other nations to see the changed Taliban before things settle down and get really dirty.
Yes, I heard they are on a "good" media blitz to keep stability and foreign aid.
Load More Replies...The most heartbreaking part in what is happening now in Afghanistan is to think that women protesting like this are not at the beginning of a potentially successful uprising. On the contrary, this is the end of the story and the bad guys have won. You cannot expect the international community to do anything about that since the foreign forces just left after 20 YEARS of completely failed attempts at containing the Taliban. So, while I understand the majority of population is resigning themselves and just waiting for the state of permanent civil war to cool down a bit, I also can understand that some women stand up like this, not out of hope but out of despair. They'd just rather die than submit once again and live as slaves.
Respect the bravery, but kinda wish they wouldn't. Can't see it having any kind of influence and could definitely see them suffering harsh consequences.
Sad part is that the Taliban just negotiate and the Afghan government complies. Like Biden said: "Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves." Despite getting trained, funded and supported by over 30 countries during the last 20 years, the Afghan army is no match for a group of terrorists. They have gotten more than $80 billion on support. Seems that none of that money did any good.
May I quietly say that perhaps they prefer religious government? Why are we (the west) so fixated on forcing democraty on every culture. They obviously prefer theirs. I don't understand it, but I don't have to. It's their right not to fight the talibans. As our country was in a similar position, people went to the streets and fought. Lokal troops fought. It was obvious what people wanted. And nobody fled.
Load More Replies...Lucy from her couch from a country whose leaders triggered this hole chaos, asking the afghanis to risk their lives and protest with these women...
In case you haven't noticed, current feminist movement of 3rd wave is no longer about women's rights. Actual feminists are now marginalized. Let me give you a test if you want to reveal who is for women's rights and who is just pretending to be. Linda Sarsour vs Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Who would you vote for?
I can't describe how bad-ass those women are, just wow, they obviously know the risks and still have the balls to do it. What those people are going through is awful, the taliban are backward savages, I hope they all rot in hell.
I don't think it changes the sentiment, but once again, requires critical thinking. Not something you're very good at.
What would you do? Yes you may put your family in danger by protesting, but if you have daughters, sisters, aunts, mothers - all these are potentially in danger just by being a woman with the Taliban in charge. Who was it who said that silence is complicit? There have been many brave men and women from oppressive regimes who have put themselves in danger by speaking out against brutality and violation of human rights. Dare I equate this to apartheid, when many black men and women were beaten, imprisoned etc for standing up for their rights, but they won eventually. And we remember them as heroes. Did anyone bother to tell Nelson Mandela not to campaign against the regime in South Africa because of what they might do to his family? What if we all stayed silent, scared to speak out? What would have become of some of the Jewish people who were rescued at great risk to their rescuers? These women were no doubt scared to death, but stood up anyway. That's real bravery.
the rest of the world don't care! the WOMANS of the world don't care! they prefered to protest in occident where womans have right to go to school, to drive, to work... to LIVE! while in these shitty place where religion dictated everything womans barely have the right to breath. f**k religions!
these 4 brave women know very well that they could be killed for it, and they do it anyway. we in our homes, with our jobs and our rights, can't imagine at all how horrible the situation in afghanistan must be. i take my hat off to these women. i would never be so brave. (and to ask why there are not more, or why their husbands, fathers or male relatives are there ... that is really naive!)
Those brave women are putting themselves in extreme danger. It makes me so sad that there is nobody there to protect them
I worry now, not just about the women in this country but on the world's reaction and what will happen in the future. I do hope I am wrong but I feel we are all going to become involved in this and many, many lives are going to be lost. They are doing endless damage to the many Asians in the West who live quite, peaceful lives beside the damage that seems like the future for their country.
I tried to see what I, myself, can do to help these women. Several governments are taking steps to evacuate the locals who collaborated with the NATO troops throughout the years (together with their families). We can put pressure on the officials to speed up the process and offer visas and political asylum to those who helped our troops. In my country this is currently under discussion; a (hopefully favourable) decision will be made in a few days. A local NGO is gathering signatures in favour of this option. Others are preparing to receive refugees - I know it because I've been donating to them several times. There are also international NGOs trying to help those in immediate danger (especially women), such as Women for Afghan Women. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. As for the 4 brave women, and others who oppose the talibans, I hope they'd be safe. Can't help noticing that no man is supporting them, let alone the Afghan army.
Rich Velasquez is a moron. ALL feminists are true ones. And all women are oppressed since we are still seen as less than by the world. Do certain women have it worse? Of course! But that doesn't mean the entire world can't benefit from feminism. There is no one "true" for of oppression. Oppression comes in many different ways. Being seen as not a human being even if we do have "rights" is still one of them.
The worst part is nothing to do with the oppression they may or may not face, or the lack of protesters, it's the fact that the US and UK forces waltzed in on the back of lies, fought an unwinnable war, and now have ignored the warnings that exactly this would happen and withdrawn troops anyway. Why does it feel like they've come to an underhanded arrangement with the Taliban??
You really have NO idea what started the Afghanistan imbroglio, do you?
Load More Replies...Well done to them. I hope it inspires other women to do the same. If they can stand up together in solidarity, the Taliban will have no option but to think about it.
They have another, far more violent option which they tend to favor.
Load More Replies...Place every aspect of this travesty on the doorstep of Joe Biden and those who are taking advantage of a man who is clearly suffering from an advanced stage of dementia. Unfortunately, all the luck in the world will not spare the Afghanistan people from unspeakable cruelty. And no other country will come to their aid.
The author said "I hope for more women to join them". Really? you want more women to hold signs and get killed. You think these women are making a difference against the taliban? They waited 20 years to take control but you think they are no match for 4 middle aged women with signs. This is such a priveleged American notion. How about you pick up a gun and fight for your country.
20 years of north american military getting killed and wasted money and training. the taliban doesnt f**k around, you could have EVERY SINGLE AFGHANI there to protest and they would be hit with a rocket
Load More Replies...You had me until you said 90% white FEMALE. I think women everywhere have a better grip on just how dangerous this is for these women than most men. I'm hearing men here in the US saying that these women need to stand up for themselves. This is far more serious than making the same amount of money. This is their very life, and if they choose not to put that on the line for their principles, I get that. Sometimes your life, here and now is more important. And think, some of them are mothers. I remember a quote from a movie (not a great movies, but the quote hit home) about the American Revolution where the colonists wanted a man to join them, and he said "I'm a parent, I don't have the luxury of principles". When it's life and death, sometimes you need to put the welfare of your family and yourself first. I see no cowardice there.
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