Welcome to the dark reality of modern-day Afghanistan, where women are being silenced by oppressive laws and regulations imposed by the Taliban. The recent ban on women speaking and singing in public is just another violation of their basic human rights, coming three years after the withdrawal of US troops from the country.
Imagine walking down the street and only hearing male voices, while the women around you remain silent. Picture a mother gently rocking her baby to sleep in a park, without a lullaby to soothe them. These are the new norms in a society where women’s voices are no longer allowed to be heard.
The United Nations Human Rights chief has called out the Taliban for their attempt to turn women into shadows, urging them to repeal these oppressive laws immediately. Yet, the global response to this injustice has been muted, with little protest or outcry compared to other issues.
We cannot ignore the heinous act of silencing women, as it affects us all. Pope Francis reminds us that we are interconnected, and the suffering of these Afghan women is a reflection of our collective humanity. We must speak up for them, for they are now voiceless in a world that should value their voices.
Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been living a nightmare of oppression, starting with the denial of education for girls and now culminating in the erasure of their voices from public life. It’s a chilling reminder that progress can be swiftly reversed if we are not vigilant.
As we navigate a fast-paced news cycle, let’s not forget the millions of women who have been stripped of their basic rights to speak and be heard. In a world where silence is synonymous with powerlessness, we must ensure that every voice, especially those of Afghan women, is heard and respected.
