Author: Eng.Rahmatullah Mohsini
Rahmatullah Mohsini, a graduate in Civil Engineering in 2014 from Herat University, was born in the Nahor district of Ghazni province. He currently lives in Islamabad, Pakistan. In addition to his social activities in human rights organizations and cultural associations, he is also interested in writing and composing poetry.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Gender Apartheid
3. Historical Background of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
4. Taliban Policies Against Women
5. Consequences of Gender Apartheid
6. International Reactions
7. International Documents and Reports
8. Comparison with Other Apartheid Systems
9. Solutions and Recommendations
10. Conclusion
11. References and Sources
1. Introduction
The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 marked a turning point in the country’s contemporary history, profoundly impacting the lives of Afghan women and girls. With the capture of Kabul and the reimposition of their rule, the Taliban swiftly implemented a series of restrictive and repressive policies against women. These policies include denial of education, prohibition of employment in many sectors, restrictions on social and political freedoms, and the imposition of mandatory dress codes.
These restrictions are not only blatant violations of human rights but have also been described by many international and human rights organizations as a clear example of “Gender Apartheid.” The term gender apartheid refers to organized and systematic discrimination against women, in such a way that they are deprived of their basic rights and structurally turned into second-class citizens. In Afghanistan, this situation has resulted in millions of girls and women being denied access to education, job opportunities, political participation, and even social freedoms.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the status of women in Afghanistan. In particular, it examines how Taliban policies have reinforced a structure of systematic discrimination and left widespread economic, social, and psychological consequences on society and the country’s future. Additionally, the reactions of the international community, international organizations, and human rights groups are reviewed to show that the Taliban’s actions have not only affected Afghan women but also impacted the group’s international legitimacy.
Through a detailed analysis of policies, documents, and consequences of gender apartheid, this article intends to familiarize the audience with the tangible realities and challenges facing Afghan women and to highlight the necessity of urgent global actions to combat systematic discrimination and support women’s rights.
2. Definition of Gender Apartheid
Gender apartheid is a concept used to describe structured, systematic, and organized discrimination against women. This term is composed of the words “apartheid” and “gender,” where “apartheid” means the separation and deprivation of a group of people from basic rights, and “gender” is the axis of discrimination. In this system, women are systematically deprived of access to basic human rights and effectively turned into second-class citizens.
Gender apartheid is not limited to legal restrictions; it also includes cultural, social, and economic limitations that are part of this discriminatory system. For example, denial of education, prohibition of employment in government or private jobs, restrictions on social freedoms such as presence in public places without a male guardian, and limitations on political participation are all clear examples of gender apartheid. These actions prevent women from fully playing their role in society and effectively deprive them of their abilities and potentials.
In Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, this phenomenon is clearly observable. After the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, millions of girls were deprived of secondary schools and universities, and many women were removed from the labor market and political arenas. This situation has caused women to be deprived not only of their economic and educational rights but also of their presence in social life and decision-making at national and local levels.
In general, gender apartheid is a combination of legal, cultural, and social restrictions that place women under pressure in all aspects of personal and professional life. This discriminatory system has widespread consequences for society, as it marginalizes half of the population that could drive development, innovation, and economic growth, thereby limiting the country’s opportunities.
3. Historical Background of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
The status of women’s rights in Afghanistan has been marked by many ups and downs throughout history. In the periods before Taliban rule, Afghan women gradually gained access to some social, economic, and political rights. After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, women gained relative access to education, employment, and political participation. Girls’ schools, universities, and women’s civil institutions were established, and their presence in government offices and the private sector increased. During this period, women were not only recognized as active citizens but also played roles in various social, economic, and political domains.
However, these achievements were rapidly and intensely erased after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The Taliban quickly closed girls’ schools above the sixth grade and universities, and deprived women of many government and private jobs. These restrictions led to women being removed from their social and economic roles and marginalized. Many female activists and their families were forced to migrate, and women’s civil institutions were seriously weakened.
Throughout Afghanistan’s history, even in more modern periods, the status of women has always been influenced by cultural, religious, and political factors. While some periods provided opportunities for women’s advancement, others brought severe restrictions and repression. Afghanistan’s experience shows that women’s rights are directly linked to political stability and legal support. Therefore, the Taliban’s return not only halted women’s progress but also completely destroyed many of the achievements of the past two decades.
In summary, the historical background of women’s rights in Afghanistan demonstrates the continuous efforts of women to access education, economic independence, and social and political participation, but these efforts have always faced strong resistance and severe restrictions. The current conditions under Taliban rule are a clear example of a return to restrictive policies and the creation of gender apartheid in the country.
4. Taliban Policies Against Women
The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 led to the implementation of a series of restrictive policies against women at the national level. These policies not only violate women’s basic rights but have also resulted in an organized and systematic discriminatory system that many consider an example of gender apartheid. Below, the most important policies implemented by the Taliban are discussed in detail:
Educational Restrictions
One of the most important actions of the Taliban was the closure of girls’ schools above the sixth grade and the prohibition of girls entering universities. This policy deprived millions of Afghan girls of access to secondary and higher education and significantly increased the gender gap in education. Deprivation of education not only affects women’s future academic and professional lives but also leads to a decrease in societal literacy levels and a reduction in national development opportunities. The United Nations and UNESCO have described these restrictions as a serious threat to human development and economic progress in Afghanistan.
Employment Restrictions
The Taliban dismissed women from many government and private jobs. Restrictions on employment not only reduced household incomes but also had a direct impact on the informal economy and social services of the country. Women had extensive activities in important sectors such as education, health, and aid organizations, and their removal has led to the closure of many essential services. Additionally, deprivation of employment has increased poverty and women’s economic dependence on families.
Social Restrictions
The Taliban have prohibited women from being in public places without a male guardian. This restriction includes parks, stadiums, public baths, and restaurants. Such a policy severely limits women’s individual freedoms and deprives them of participation in social and cultural activities. This action has also led to women’s social isolation and reduced their interaction with society.
Dress Code Restrictions
The Taliban have made the wearing of burqa or black chador mandatory in public places. This restriction not only limits women’s individual freedom but also turns clothing into a tool of social and cultural control. The requirement of full coverage, along with other restrictions, makes women invisible in the public sphere and reduces their independence.
Political Restrictions
Women have been removed from national and local decision-making structures. From the cabinet to local councils, women’s presence has been minimized. This action has prevented women from participating in political processes and major decision-making, completely silencing their voices in determining the country’s fate.
In general, the Taliban’s policies have created a structured discriminatory system against women that affects all aspects of their lives—education, employment, social freedom, dress, and political participation. These actions not only limit women’s daily lives but also have long-term economic, social, and psychological consequences for Afghan society.
5. Consequences of Gender Apartheid
Gender apartheid in Afghanistan has left widespread and profound consequences in educational, economic, social, psychological, and political domains. These consequences not only limit women’s lives but also have negative impacts on the development and stability of the entire society. Below, the most important consequences of this phenomenon are discussed in detail:
A) Educational Consequences
The deprivation of millions of girls from access to secondary and university education is one of the most severe consequences of gender apartheid. The lack of educational opportunities leads to reduced skills, increased gender gaps in education, and limited job and economic opportunities for women in the future. In the long term, the decline in women’s literacy levels will negatively affect national development, as a large part of the country’s active and capable population will be unable to fully participate in economic and social life due to educational restrictions. A United Nations report shows that deprivation of education leads to a reduction in the country’s scientific and professional capacity and limits the future of Afghan women.
B) Economic Consequences
The dismissal of women from government offices and restrictions on employment in private and non-governmental sectors have led to reduced household incomes and increased poverty in society. Women played key roles in many sectors such as education, health, civil activities, and aid, and their removal has led to the closure of parts of essential services. The reduction in women’s income, in addition to direct economic effects, has caused greater economic dependence on families and reduced women’s financial independence. This situation has fueled gender inequality in income and access to economic resources and exacerbated the poverty crisis.
C) Social and Psychological Consequences
Social restrictions and the suppression of individual freedoms have led to women’s isolation and reduced social interactions. Women are exposed to severe psychological pressures, and cases of depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness have increased among them. Additionally, increased domestic violence and lack of social support have complicated women’s mental health. The psychological consequences of this systematic discrimination also affect families and society, as women play a key role in child-rearing and maintaining social cohesion, and their harm transfers broader damages to society.
D) Political Consequences
The removal of women from national and local decision-making structures has led to reduced participation in political processes and weakened democracy in the country. The absence of female representatives in the cabinet and local councils has caused women’s issues and needs to be seriously overlooked, and the country’s development policies and programs lack a comprehensive view toward half of the population. These restrictions not only violate women’s rights but also affect the political stability and legitimacy of the governing system.
In summary, the consequences of gender apartheid in Afghanistan have created a negative cycle: educational deprivation leads to reduced economic opportunities, economic deprivation causes reduced social and psychological independence for women, and women’s political exclusion weakens democracy and social participation. This negative cycle not only affects women’s individual lives but also seriously threatens Afghanistan’s development and future.
6. International Reactions
The imposition of widespread restrictions against women and girls in Afghanistan has provoked strong attention and reactions from the international community and organizations. Reputable international organizations, human rights activists, and global media have considered these actions as systematic discrimination and widespread human rights violations, describing them as a clear example of gender apartheid.
United Nations
The United Nations, particularly through its human rights office and women’s affairs institutions, has described the Taliban’s actions as unprecedented and a gross violation of human rights. Reports indicate that educational and employment restrictions against women and girls hinder Afghanistan’s achievement of sustainable development goals and social progress. The UN Secretary-General has repeatedly emphasized the need for an immediate halt to these restrictions and ensuring women’s access to education and employment.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International has introduced the Taliban’s restrictive policies as “crimes against humanity” and has called on member states of the Security Council and international organizations to exert serious political and diplomatic pressures on the Taliban. This organization has also provided documentation of violations against women and girls, emphasizing that the Taliban’s actions violate not only individual rights but also collective women’s rights.
**Human Rights Watch (HRW)**
Human Rights Watch has published extensive reports on the status of Afghan women and condemned educational, employment, social, and political restrictions as violations of international human rights. This organization emphasizes that the Taliban’s actions have led to the creation of a gender discriminatory system that places all aspects of women’s lives under control and restriction.
Other Reactions
The UN Human Rights Council, the European Union, and some Western countries, while condemning the Taliban’s actions, have called for immediate action to document women’s rights violations and provide practical support to them. Additionally, the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan has introduced the Taliban as responsible for gender apartheid and emphasized the need to create international mechanisms to support Afghan women and girls.
In general, international reactions show that the Taliban’s actions not only affect women’s rights within Afghanistan but also endanger the group’s political legitimacy and international relations. The international community emphasizes the need for continuous pressure, practical support, and legal pursuit to combat gender apartheid.
7. International Documents and Reports
To better understand the dimensions of gender apartheid in Afghanistan, referring to international documents and reports is highly important. These sources not only show the real status of Afghan women’s lives under Taliban rule but also highlight the role of the international community in pursuing women’s rights.
A) Documentary “Shroud of Silence: Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan”
This short documentary depicts the daily lives of Afghan women during the Taliban regime and shows their challenges up close. From girls’ deprivation of education to social restrictions and suppression of individual freedoms, all aspects of women’s lives are examined. The documentary particularly highlights the psychological and social impacts of these restrictions and analyzes the role of families and society in supporting women. (cultureunplugged.com)
B) Report “Inside Afghanistan’s Gender Apartheid”
This report includes direct interviews and narratives from Afghan women who recount their experiences of life under the Taliban regime. Women in this report speak of deprivation from education, employment restrictions, social pressures, and security threats. The report, by presenting real examples, shows the human and tangible dimensions of gender apartheid and emphasizes that these restrictions are not only violations of individual rights but also threats to the country’s social and economic development. (atlanticcouncil.org)
C) United Nations Report “A/HRC/56/25”
This official United Nations report examines the status of women’s rights in Afghanistan and specifically introduces the Taliban’s actions as an example of gender apartheid. In this report, women’s educational, employment, social, and political restrictions are documented, and it is emphasized that such policies are blatant violations of human rights and international law. The report also provides recommendations for the international community and organizations to provide practical support to Afghan women. (docs.un.org)
In general, these documents and reports show that gender apartheid in Afghanistan is not a limited or scattered issue but a structured and widespread system that affects all aspects of women’s lives. Analyzing these sources helps create a comprehensive and documented understanding of the challenges, consequences, and urgent needs of Afghan women.
8. Comparison with Other Apartheid Systems
The gender apartheid imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan has notable similarities with racial apartheid in South Africa, but there are also important differences in structure and the axis of discrimination. In both systems, a group of people is systematically deprived of basic human rights and turned into “second-class citizens.” These systems, based on laws, restrictions, and social controls, deprive the target group of equal participation in education, economy, and politics.
Similarities
A) Systematic Nature of Discrimination: In both cases, discrimination is organized and structured, not limited to scattered or individual restrictions.
B) Deprivation of Basic Rights: In racial apartheid, Black people were deprived of the right to education, employment, and land ownership. In Afghanistan’s gender apartheid, women have been deprived of education, employment, political participation, and social freedoms.
C) Creating Deep Inequality in Society: Both systems lead to increased economic, social, and political inequality and reduced development opportunities for the target group.
Differences
A) Axis of Discrimination: The most important difference between these two systems is the axis of discrimination. In South Africa, discrimination was based on race, while in Afghanistan, the axis is gender, and women are completely deprived of their rights.
B) Social and Cultural Consequences: In gender apartheid, in addition to economic and political deprivation, strict control over social freedoms, dress, and women’s private lives is imposed, which includes cultural and psychological aspects of discrimination. This type of discrimination has broader effects on families and social structure.
C) International Reactions and Documentation: Although South Africa’s racial apartheid was also condemned, international reactions to Afghanistan’s gender apartheid are very rapid and extensive, as women’s human rights are directly emphasized from the perspective of international laws.
9. Solutions and Recommendations
Combating gender apartheid in Afghanistan requires comprehensive planning, practical actions, and continuous support from the international community. To end systematic discrimination against women and girls, the following solutions and recommendations are of special importance:
A) Applying Continuous International Pressure on the Taliban
The international community, through international organizations, the Security Council, the European Union, and other human rights institutions, must exert continuous political, economic, and diplomatic pressure on the Taliban. Imposing targeted sanctions, threats to cut financial support, and filing international cases can force the Taliban to change restrictive policies. The continuity of these pressures not only stops women’s rights violations but also reduces long-term political and Practical support for women and human rights activists, both inside the country and abroad, is vital. Creating support networks, providing safe migration opportunities, online education, and access to educational and financial resources can help women escape crisis situations and strengthen their capabilities. Supporting female activists also strengthens civil society and increases human rights voices within Afghanistan.
C) Accurate Documentation of Women’s Rights Violations
Regular and accurate documentation of women’s rights violations by the Taliban, through field reports, interviews with women, and statistical data collection, is essential for international legal pursuits. This documentation enables the pursuit of crimes against humanity and human rights violations in international courts and human rights institutions, providing strong evidence to global organizations.
D) Creating Economic and Educational Support Mechanisms**
To counter the economic and educational consequences of gender apartheid, creating support mechanisms is necessary. These actions can include online educational programs for girls and women, support for small women’s businesses, and providing financial aid and job counseling. Such practical actions not only increase women’s economic independence but also strengthen their role in the country’s social and economic development.
10. Conclusion
A comprehensive analysis of the status of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule shows that gender apartheid is not a minor issue but a structured and widespread discriminatory system that affects all aspects of women’s lives. From deprivation of education and employment restrictions to social, dress, and political exclusion restrictions, Afghan women have been systematically deprived of their human rights. These restrictions are not limited to individuals or families but have turned into an organized and repressive system that turns half of the country’s population into second-class citizens and has long-term and widespread consequences for Afghanistan’s development, stability, and future.
One of the most important dimensions of this discrimination is the deprivation of girls and women from education, which has direct and indirect widespread consequences. Reduced literacy and scientific skills, limited job and economic opportunities, and ultimately reduced women’s ability to participate in national development all show that this discrimination affects not only women but the entire society. On the other hand, women’s removal from the labor market and economic restrictions have led to increased poverty, financial dependence on families, and reduced social independence. These deprivations, in addition to economic effects, have deep psychological and social consequences and have led to increased depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, and social isolation among women.
From a political perspective, women’s removal from national and local decision-making structures has led to weakened democracy and reduced social participation. The absence of female representatives in the cabinet and local councils has caused women’s views, needs, and rights to be overlooked in policymaking. This not only affects the legitimacy of the ruling system but also limits the country’s social and economic development prospects. In other words, gender apartheid has created a negative cycle where educational deprivation leads to economic deprivation, economic deprivation causes reduced social and psychological independence, and women’s political isolation threatens the country’s development and stability.
International reactions show that the global community well understands that these restrictions go beyond individual rights violations and have become a threat to human development and social peace. The United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other international organizations have introduced the Taliban’s actions as blatant human rights violations and examples of gender apartheid, emphasizing the need for urgent actions to support Afghan women and girls. International documents and reports, including the documentary “Shroud of Silence” and UN reports, have provided tangible and real images of educational, employment, social, and political restrictions and show that this structural discrimination is not only a human rights crisis but a serious threat to the country’s future.
Comparison with other apartheid systems, especially racial apartheid in South Africa, shows notable similarities in the systematic nature of discrimination and deprivation of basic rights, but the main difference is the axis of discrimination; in Afghanistan, the axis is gender, and women are completely deprived of their rights. Strict control over social freedoms, dress, and women’s private lives has also accompanied this type of discrimination with cultural and psychological aspects, such that its consequences are not limited to economic and political domains but affect all aspects of women’s individual and social lives.
To combat this crisis, multiple actions are necessary: continuous international pressure on the Taliban, effective and practical support for women and human rights activists, accurate documentation of women’s rights violations for international legal pursuit, and creating economic and educational support mechanisms. Only through combining these actions can we hope that Afghan women regain their basic rights and equal opportunities for participation in the country’s development are provided. The importance of these actions goes beyond helping women; restoring women’s rights means restoring half of society’s potential for growth, development, and national stability.
In conclusion, gender apartheid in Afghanistan is a human rights crisis that requires immediate attention and coordinated international actions. This structural discrimination has left deep human, social, economic, and political consequences and severely threatens the country’s future. Combating this phenomenon is only possible through global pressure, continuous support for women, and creating equal opportunities, and delay in these actions means the continuation of a discriminatory system that will affect future generations of Afghanistan. Therefore, attention to this issue is not a choice but a moral and legal necessity for the international community to preserve justice, equality, and human dignity for Afghan women.
Hoping for the day when social justice is ensured for all segments of Afghanistan, especially the women of this land.
11. References and Sources:
A) Independent Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan. Report on the Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan: Impact of Taliban Policies on Women. Kabul, 2022.
B) Human Rights Watch Afghanistan. Women in the Shadow of the Taliban: Restrictions and Violations of Basic Rights. Kabul, 2023.
C) Afghan Women’s Research and Information Center (AWRC). Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan: Analysis and Consequences. Kabul, 2022.
D) UN Human Rights Council (Persian Translation). Special Report on the Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan, Focusing on Women’s and Girls’ Rights. Geneva, 2023.
E) Siddiqi, Wahida. Afghan Women in the Grip of History and Taliban Politics. Women’s Rights Magazine, Issue 4, 2022.
F) Mousavi, Zahra. Gender Apartheid and the Future of Women in Afghanistan. Ettela’at Roz Newspaper, 2023.
G) Asia Foundation. Report on the Status of Afghan Women: Opportunities and Challenges. Kabul, 2021.
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