In the name of Allah, the Lord of Justice and Freedom
The world celebrates March 8 as International Women’s Day — a day to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to emphasize the importance of gender equality in all areas of rights.
However, in Afghanistan, we mark this day while women are experiencing one of the darkest periods in their history. With the transfer of power to the Taliban, women’s fundamental rights have been severely violated, and Afghan society has plunged into suffocation and tyranny. Women and girls have been banned from schools and universities, thousands of women have been dismissed from their jobs, and women’s protests have been met with brutal repression, arrests, torture, forced confessions, and sexual violence.
Despite this, Afghan women continue to fight for freedom, equality, justice, and democracy.
After the Taliban’s return to power, the first force to stand firm and resolute against oppression and crimes were the women — and their struggle continues to this day, even at the cost of their lives. Women in Afghanistan have reached a level of awareness where they clearly and transparently voice their demands and defend them; indeed, an informed woman is the primary enemy of extremism, fundamentalism, and regression.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance condemns the deprivation of women’s fundamental human rights, arbitrary arrests, gender discrimination, torture, and the exclusion of women from social, political, and cultural spheres by the Taliban. These actions are a clear example of gender apartheid and crimes against humanity. The Council expresses its deep concern about the deteriorating situation of women in the country and warns of the consequences of depriving women and girls of any role in Afghanistan’s social life.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance values the rightful struggle and resistance of the Afghan people — especially women — and considers them the true guardians and soldiers of our motherland. The Council assures the people of Afghanistan that it will spare no effort in reclaiming their lost rights, especially those of women, and in restoring their rightful place in society. It stands alongside the women of the country in defending their Islamic and human values.
The Taliban must realize that no individual or group has the right to suppress, eliminate, or intimidate women to drive them out of the social and political arena. The Taliban will undoubtedly be held accountable for all their crimes against women.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance calls on the international community to place the dire situation of Afghan women and girls at the center of their concerns and actions. Global sanctions against the Taliban must be intensified to fully isolate this authoritarian and oppressive regime. The Council urges the media and human rights organizations to document the Taliban’s repression of Afghan women and inform the global community.
On this International Women’s Solidarity Day, the Supreme Council of National Resistance extends its warmest congratulations to all women, especially the proud women of Afghanistan, and hopes that the free-spirited women of our homeland will achieve prosperity and flourish without discrimination, violence, or captivity. Without women’s participation in society, Afghanistan’s political and economic development will never be possible.