The situation for Afghan women deteriorated significantly following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, culminating in the recent, devastating nationwide internet shutdown. With access to education, job opportunities, and even basic information becoming increasingly restricted, many women in Afghanistan are facing a grim reality. This article discusses these challenges, focusing on the impact of the Taliban’s stringent policies and the recent blackout that has cut off vital lifelines for women.
### The Stranglehold of the Taliban
Since the Taliban regained control, they’ve imposed severe regulations under their interpretation of Sharia law. Their governance has included a ban on girls’ education beyond the age of 12, restrictions on women’s employment, and the removal of books written by women from educational curricula. These measures have systematically erased the opportunities that women fought hard to gain in the years prior.
Many women, like Fahima Noori, once saw the internet as a beacon of hope. After graduating from university, she enrolled in an online program, dreaming of completing her studies and securing employment. However, the Taliban’s recent internet shutdown has extinguished this hope. “Our last hope was online learning. Now, even that dream has been destroyed,” she lamented.
### The Internet as a Lifeline
For countless women in Afghanistan, the internet provided a crucial channel for education and professional development. The chance to attend online classes, access educational resources, and stay informed about world events offered them a semblance of independence in a rapidly constricting environment.
Shakiba, a young woman from the northern province of Takhar, shares a similar sentiment. After the ban on her midwifery program, she turned to online learning but now feels the “world has turned dark” with the recent blackout. The internet was their last avenue to pursue education, and with its removal, their aspirations are left in limbo.
### The Broader Impact
The effects of the internet shutdown extend beyond the educational needs of women. Teachers and professionals working in various sectors are also suffering. Zabi, an English teacher previously involved in online education, has seen his student population dwindle following the crackdown. “For my female students, this was their last chance. And now even that is gone,” he expressed, highlighting the heartbreak felt by both teachers and students.
Business sectors are also severely affected. Local entrepreneurs, including money changers like Anas, report losing substantial income due to the inability to conduct transactions online. “Our business has been affected by about 90%,” he stated, expressing concern not only for his livelihood but also for the education of his three daughters.
### Rising Despair
As the internet blackout continues, a sense of despair is pervasive among Afghan women who had pinned their hopes on digital education. Many now fear for their futures and their ability to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. The lockdown has left them feeling “helpless,” according to Fahima, who has now reduced her days to “doing nothing.”
In a country where gender-based restrictions are already severe, this increased isolation amplifies the psychological toll on women. Young women who had just begun to envision futures for themselves are faced with a daunting wall of silence and oppression.
### The Taliban’s Justification
The Taliban has described the internet restrictions as necessary to prevent “immorality,” though many see this as another attempt to control the populace, especially women. By filtering out materials they deem inappropriate or against their ideological beliefs, the Taliban is further constraining women’s access to knowledge and the outside world.
No official explanation has been provided regarding the total internet cutoff. While the Taliban promised that an alternative route for internet access would be established, no details have emerged to alleviate concerns.
### International Response and Advocacy
The international community is observing these developments with increasing alarm. Organizations advocating for women’s rights urge global leaders to hold the Taliban accountable for their oppressive policies. Numerous stakeholders, including NGOs and humanitarian organizations, have called for immediate action to ensure that Afghan women can reclaim their right to education and self-determination.
A coordinated movement to support Afghan women could include advocacy for tech companies to provide alternative internet access methods and educational resources, albeit in a secure manner. There is also a pressing need for educational institutions around the world to reach out and create pathways for displaced Afghan women to continue their studies.
### Conclusions
The Taliban’s decision to shut down internet access in Afghanistan represents a severe blow to the already fragile status of women in the country. The removal of this vital resource has cast a shadow over the dreams and ambitions of countless women who sought education and independence.
As global attention turns to Afghanistan, it is crucial to amplify the voices of Afghan women, acknowledging their struggles and advocating for their rights. Ensuring educational access, offering psychological support, and providing resources for skill development should be priorities for both local and international communities.
Without pressure from the global community and a collective effort to support Afghan women, the situation may continue to deteriorate. Women like Fahima, Shakiba, and Zabi represent just a fraction of the resilience and potential that exists; their stories should catalyze action rather than serve as reminders of what has been lost. The world must not turn its back on them.
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