The return of the Taliban - chaos and new order

The return of the Taliban - chaos and new order

Exactly five years ago, on August 15, 2021, the Taliban occupied Kabul, ending the era of Western-backed rule. The withdrawal of American and allied troops, including Polish ones, led to the fall of the government and a mass flight of people from the country.

The world then saw dramatic images from the Kabul airport, where thousands of Afghans were trying to get out of the country.

“Gender apartheid” – women under pressure

The new authorities promised that they would not limit women's rights, but the reality turned out to be completely different. Shortly after taking power, the Taliban issued over 100 decrees targeting women and girls.

They were banned from, among other things, education beyond the sixth grade of primary school, and later also university studies.

Women cannot use parks, public baths, gyms, play sports or travel without a male guardian.

Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls cannot attend secondary schools and women cannot study - warns the UN Women organization.

Life behind closed doors

Recent UN research shows that more than half of women in Afghanistan leave home twice a month or less. Nearly three quarters admit that they do not feel safe without a male escort.

The authorities are working to create conditions in which girls and women can attend schools or university campuses in accordance with Sharia law, says Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

However, restrictions still remain in force.

The UN calls on donors not to reduce their support for programs supporting women.

As the Associated Press recalled, while the UN admitted that Afghanistan has become more stable since the Taliban returned to power, it also warns that lasting stabilization will not be possible until restrictions on women and girls are lifted, the government provides them with basic rights and the issue of terrorism is resolved.