Five years after the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan, women across the country report profound and distressing changes to their daily lives. Many describe experiencing public floggings, a form of brutal punishment that has become more frequent under the regime’s strict interpretation of Islamic law. This resurgence of harsh penalties has instilled widespread fear and severely restricted women’s freedom of movement and expression.
In addition to physical punishments, Afghan women have faced significant economic setbacks, with many losing their jobs as the Taliban imposed severe restrictions on female employment. The closure of schools and workplaces for women has not only diminished their financial independence but also curtailed their social participation, deepening gender inequality. These measures have reversed years of progress made in women’s rights and empowerment in the country.
Meanwhile, access to healthcare has become increasingly difficult for women, with barriers that endanger their well-being and lives. Restrictions on female healthcare workers and limitations on women seeking medical treatment without male accompaniment have exacerbated health crises, particularly for maternal and reproductive care. The cumulative effect of these policies highlights the severe humanitarian and social consequences of the Taliban’s rule on Afghan women.
