Four years ago, on August 15, 2021, when the Taliban once again seized power in Afghanistan, a dark era cast its shadow over the lives of millions of Afghan women. Girls’ schools were closed, universities shut down, women were fired from their jobs, and even freedom of movement without a male companion was banned. In this suffocating atmosphere, where hope had dwindled to a faint flicker, women rose and declared: “No, we will not disappear.” This historic “no” planted the seed of the Afghan Women’s Justice-Seeking Movement—an independent, grassroots movement that stepped into the fray to combat gender discrimination and defend the human rights of Afghan women.
From the very first days, this movement took to the streets with simple yet powerful slogans: “Bread, Work, Freedom,” “Education is Our Right,” and “Taliban is the Enemy of Women.” These words were not just cries of protest but symbols of a generation’s resistance against what activists call “gender apartheid.” Afghan women, who had experienced achievements like access to education and employment in the past two decades, now faced systematic erasure. But the Women’s Justice-Seeking Movement, established after the fall of Kabul, became the voice of this resistance.
The path of this movement has been fraught with obstacles. The Taliban responded with violence: widespread arrests, torture, threats to families, enforced disappearances, and even forced exile. Many activists spent months in dark prisons, their homes were destroyed, and some were compelled to flee under the cover of night. Nevertheless, these pressures did not silence the movement; they made it stronger. Today, these women inside and outside Afghanistan—from Pakistan and Iran to Europe—have built a global network that transcends borders.
Roots of Formation: From the Fall of Kabul to the Cry for Justice
The fall of Kabul in 2021 was a turning point that obliterated all progress for Afghan women. According to United Nations reports, nearly 80 percent of women aged 15 to 24 have been deprived of their fundamental rights: bans on education beyond the sixth grade, prohibitions on work in most professions, and severe restrictions on travel and public appearance. In the face of this erasure, silence meant accepting a slow death. The Afghan Women’s Justice-Seeking Movement was formed to defend women’s rights, document violations, and support victims.
Pillars of the Movement: Projects for Empowerment and Resistance
The Afghan Women’s Justice-Seeking Movement is built on several key pillars, each forming part of the puzzle of resistance and reconstruction. These projects not only assist women inside the country but also reach migrants in neighboring countries and beyond, designed on principles of humanity and sustainability:
- Education: Education is the first step toward empowerment. From English language classes and literacy programs to computer skills and online and in-person training, women and girls gain knowledge that paves the way for independence and progress. In conditions where schools are closed, these programs keep hope alive.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening knowledge and skills for a sustainable future. Through specialized workshops and leadership training, individuals are empowered to lead change themselves. This helps women become leaders, not victims.
- Livelihood and Entrepreneurship: Women flourish their talents in sewing, fashion, handicrafts, embroidery, and cooking, opening paths to entrepreneurship and sustainable income. Job opportunities lead to self-reliance and break the cycle of poverty.
- Sports for Girls: Sports is more than physical strength; it is cultural resistance and resilience. Organizing futsal and football tournaments and creating safe spaces helps girls build confidence and fight oppression.
- Advocacy: Confronting injustice through non-violent means. From awareness campaigns to international advocacy, the focus is on changing misogynistic laws.
- Humanitarian Aid: Timely and targeted assistance in crises saves lives and keeps hope alive. From distributing food and medicine to support in refugee camps, these programs are a priority.
- Reconstruction: A bridge between pain and hope. From psychosocial support to resilience programs, it helps women return to active and hopeful lives.
- Aid Management: Transparent and accountable financial management builds trust and ensures that every aid reaches maximum impact.
These projects demonstrate a commitment to practical empowerment. Despite limitations, the movement has advanced awareness-raising, documentation of human rights violations, global campaigns for Taliban sanctions, psychological and legal support for women at risk, and skill training for migrants.
Achievements Amid Darkness
Despite challenges, the Afghan Women’s Justice Movement has achieved remarkable milestones. The voice of Afghan women has reached the United Nations, shaping reports on Taliban restrictions. A global network of women activists has been created. Campaigns for Taliban sanctions have been launched. The movement has documented stories of rape and torture in Taliban prisons and shown them to the world. Additionally, awards like the Rabia Balkhi trophy have been presented to activists, and voices of protest have been raised at international conferences.
Current Situation: Challenges and Resilience
Four years after the Taliban’s return, the situation for Afghan women remains dire. The Taliban has issued dozens of decrees erasing women from public life: bans on sports and music, severe restrictions on media. The international community, despite warnings, has not recognized the Taliban, but aid continues without conditions. The Women’s Justice-Seeking Movement stands firm: stronger and more global.
A Vision for the Future: Hope in the Heart of Resistance
This four-year resistance is not just a narrative of the past but a commitment to the future: a future in which Afghan women can freely educate themselves, work, and live without fear of discrimination. The Afghan Women’s Justice Movement is a symbol of the global women’s struggle against oppression.
Four years of standing firm means four years of hope. Women who write history with their own hands do not surrender. The world must listen and act before these cries fade into silence.
