Five years after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, women are describing lives that have been fundamentally reshaped by widespread restrictions. The country remains the only nation globally to officially prohibit girls from secondary and higher education.
For many, August 15, the date the previous government fell, remains a painful reminder of lost opportunities. Shakiba, who managed to complete her secondary education online, described this date as the worst and most painful of her life, feeling that years of dreams were suddenly extinguished. Her lifelong ambition to become a pilot now seems unattainable.
Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated in an interview with the BBC that it is inaccurate to claim all restrictions are placed on women. He cited a UNICEF report indicating approximately 2.6 million girls are unable to attend school beyond the sixth grade, while Muttaqi asserted that three million girls are currently enrolled in schools and religious centers. He further commented that "only one small part (of their affairs) is restricted until further notice," suggesting that women are not entirely prohibited from all aspects of life.
However, women across the country report experiences such as public floggings, job losses, and significant barriers to accessing healthcare, which they say endanger lives. The notes also highlight a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, with one midwife available for every 4,050 women in the country.