On 15 August 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. 

Ever since, they have imposed a set of meticulously constructed policies of inequality that impact every part of a woman’s life. This is a system of suffocation, fear and oppression that is targeting women.

What you are about to experience are stories of women living in Afghanistan today, written in their own words. These anonymous, first-hand accounts are unvarnished. They capture the fear, anger and profound sense of loss that shape the everyday daily lives of Afghan women and girls – as well as the resilience with which they continue to live.

The stories you will find here are from women of different ages, different ethnic groups, different levels of education and social status. Women from all different parts of Afghanistan. Women from all walks of life. Women like you and I …like the women in your life.

We want you to experience these stories and imagine that this could have happened to you. Imagine what it would be like if where you go, what you do, and what you wear were to be dictated by your gender. And remember that although this is an exercise in imagination for you, it is the daily lived reality of women and girls living in Afghanistan.