“The Taliban’s anti-female rule in this male-dominated society undoubtedly meant a terrifying life for me”

“My name is Nargis, I am 20 years old and I have two younger sisters and a disabled mother. With no father to support us, I am the sole breadwinner for my family. 

Before August 2021, I worked as a baker at a bakery in Nimroz Province, and with the meager income I earned, I could somewhat meet the needs of my family.  

I continued working at the bakery for almost a month after the fall, but with great fear and anxiety. The Taliban either completely closed down or expelled women from all places where men and women worked together. In our workplace, besides me, there were two other women and several male employees. 

I don’t remember the exact date of my expulsion from work, but it was in late September 2021 when a group of four Taliban entered my workplace and told my boss that if they witnessed any women working at the bakery, they would shut it entirely. Then, they kicked us out with contempt and extreme violence. 

I was forced to seek employment again because not working was equivalent to my family dying of hunger. A friend of mine suggested that I go to one of the Taliban authorities and talk with him, saying that maybe his heart would be merciful, and I would be allowed to be employed at the bakery again. 

Returning home with a dead spirit, I had no hope left. If it weren’t for my family, I would have surely committed suicide by now. 

Since then, I have been working in people’s homes, with indescribable humiliation and helplessness, but I have no choice but to endure. I hope that, at the very least, conditions will change for my younger sisters, and that they will not taste the bitter flavour of these circumstances. 

I ask the international community to support us Afghan women and girls, and our rightful cause, because otherwise we women will become the victims of this brutal and inhumane group.”