Afghanistan: A Timeline
Afghanistan is now officially the worst place in the world to be female.
Since the De Facto Authorities took over in 2021, following the rapid withdrawal of international troops, women have been erased from public life and denied access to vital healthcare services, employment opportunities, and education. Since August 2021, the De Facto Authorities have undertaken an intensive and systematic dismantling of Afghanistan’s legal and institutional infrastructure, particularly targeting those who had supported the gender equality and women’s empowerment advances achieved under the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021, largely made possible by international assistance. At least 70 decrees, directives, and practices target the lives, bodies, and choices of women and girls. Amnesty International has called for these decrees to be investigated as crimes against humanity, and even more edicts can be found here, at Stop the Gender Apartheid.
These advances were largely led and funded by the international community. However, since the rapid withdrawal of international troops, there has been a massive reduction in international humanitarian assistance. This has forced many organisations to close vital services including health and education. This reduction in support has not just stalled progress but reversed all hard-fought gains for in women and girls’ rights and freedoms.
Timeline
September 2021 - Ban on Girls' Secondary and Higher Education: Since September 2021, girls above grade 6 have been prohibited from attending school, making Afghanistan the only country with such a ban.
December 2022 - University Restrictions: In December 2022, women were banned from attending universities.
December 2022 to April 2023 - Ban on Women Working in NGOs and the UN: In December 2022 and April 2023, the Taliban prohibited women from working in international NGOs and the United Nations.
July 2023 - Closure of Beauty Salons: In July 2023, the Taliban announced the ban on beauty salons, which are all run by women for women.
Restrictions on Female Employment: Women have been largely excluded from public sector jobs and are required to obtain work permits from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Prohibition of Women Holding Leadership Positions: Women are not permitted to hold the position of director within NGOs.
Requirement of Male Escort for Medical Visits: Women are required to be accompanied by a male guardian (mahram) when seeking medical care, leading to delays and, in some cases, preventable deaths.
December 2024 - Ban on Women Attending Medical Institutions: In December 2024, a decree barred Afghan women from attending medical institutions, effectively cutting off access to medical education.
Dress Code Enforcement: Women are required to wear a burqa, covering their entire body (including the eyes), and face coverings are mandatory for female news anchors and journalists.
Restrictions on Movement: Women are prohibited from traveling without a male guardian (mahram) and are not allowed to use public transport if alone.
Ban on Women in Media and Entertainment: Women are banned from appearing uncovered on screen, and female athletic teams are no longer allowed to compete.
Exclusion from Political Roles: Women have been excluded from political roles and most jobs in the public sector.
Dissolution of Support Frameworks: The Taliban has dissolved institutional frameworks that supported survivors of gender-based violence.
What Can Be Done?
ARK is partnering with Peace of Mind Association (PoMA), a Swiss-based international not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing culturally relevant mental health support to vulnerable populations, including women, children, refugees, displaced individuals, and communities affected by conflict and trauma. ARK and PoMA are partnering to address the mental health challenges faced by Afghan women, children and their families. We have 50% funding to initiate an impactful series of interventions but would love to hear from our current donors, prospective funders or others who wish to contribute to the well-being of the most vulnerable in Afghanistan.
Please contact info@arkgroupdmcc.com for information on how you can support.
