THE LACK OF JOBS, LACK OF EDUCATION FOR WOMEN, AND LOSS OF MORALE IS NOT ONLY AFFECTING WOMEN, BUT HAS A PROFOUND IMPACT ON ALL YOUNG PEOPLE – GIRLS AND BOYS

Prior to the Taliban takeover, I worked for the Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan on the human rights portfolio, while studying for a Masters’ of Business and Management and also engaging as a women’s rights activist.

Currently, due to the deteriorating economic situation, I make handicrafts at home to support my family. But I am still working on my thesis, as well as studying and learning online. Despite women being banned from schools and universities, I was able to continue my masters’ because I had started it before the Taliban came. I was unable to complete my degree because of economic need; however, I have been able to continue through scholarships provided by my university and I continue my studies online from home.

My siblings who used to study cannot study now and we do not have the right to earn an income.

We have seen a brain drain over the course of more than a year that the Taliban have dominated Afghanistan. We have seen our youth flee and those who cannot leave have had to modify their daily lives and stay away from lessons and education.

The other big problem is human rights abuses, violations of women’s rights and violations of children’s rights. Women being banned from studying and working is a big problem. Those who were the family breadwinners found themselves unemployed. So, in addition to women, families have been very affected by this injustice.

My hope for Afghan girls is that one day they will be able to continue their education and regain their basic freedoms and rights and be able to work and support their families and homeland.

What everyone in every corner of the world can do for women in Afghanistan right now is to stand up for their basic rights and boost their morale. Official organizations and countries can put pressure on the Taliban to respect women’s rights, especially for those who have been banned from education and jobs and convince them that women should be allowed to work and study.

My message to the international community is to not abandon Afghan people in the current situation, especially Afghan women and girls who are deprived of their education, jobs and freedoms, and to put pressure on the Taliban to allow women to work and study again, travel freely and express their opinions freely.