In August 2021, the world watched as the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, sweeping away two decades of progress toward democracy, human rights and gender equality. While international headlines have since moved on to other crises, millions of Afghan women and girls continue to live under increasingly restrictive policies that have systematically stripped away their most fundamental rights.

This series of anonymous interviews gives voice to those who have been deliberately silenced. Through intimate conversations with women and girls across Afghanistan, we document the profound human impact of the Taliban’s return to power. From students forced to abandon their education to professionals removed from public life, these firsthand accounts reveal the day-to-day reality behind the headlines — a reality of dreams deferred, freedoms revoked, and lives fundamentally altered.

What emerges is not just a chronicle of loss, but a testament to extraordinary resilience. Despite facing restrictions on their movement, dress, education, and employment, Afghan women continue to resist in ways both large and small. Their stories demand our attention not as abstract victims of geopolitical circumstances, but as individuals with unique perspectives, aspirations, and undiminished dignity.

In publishing these interviews, we honor the courage of those who have shared their experiences despite considerable personal risk. Their names have been changed and identifying details obscured, but their voices — clear, honest, and urgent — remain intact.

As the international community’s focus wavers and diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime increases, these testimonies stand as a powerful reminder: Afghanistan’s women and girls must not be forgotten, and their rights cannot be bargained away in the name of stability or expedience.

This is the third in a series of interviews that will explore the many facets of the lives of Afghanistan’s women and girls under a resurgent Taliban. The first can be found here: Voices of Afghanistan Interview Series: ‘We will continue to resist, to hope, and to fight for a better tomorrow’. The second can be found here: Voices of Afghanistan Interview Series: ‘We, Afghan girls and women, will call for freedom with every breath.’

Tell us about your life before August 2021. Were you working or studying?

Before August 2021, I was working with an NGO. My life was essentially a period of development, and I was improving my ability to assist my society and support my family financially. Unfortunately, after the restrictions placed on women in 2021, I was forced to stay home and became jobless for some months. After some time, and with the organisation director’s help, I was able to work from home for a few months. This experience seriously affected my mental health. I was very disappointed, lost all hope, and faced mental problems.

How did you learn about the events of August 2021, and what were your initial thoughts or reactions?

At first, there was war and conflict in my province and throughout the country for several days. I witnessed the war myself. I followed the news updates on social media and went through very difficult moments. I was very emotionally affected and disappointed. Following the moment-to-moment news only increased my fear for the future and I lost all hope.

Which of the Taliban’s new policies on women has most significantly impacted your life, and the lives of your family and community members?

One of the most significant policies has been the restriction placed on women’s secondary and university education. The policy has negatively impacted young women and their families—especially those who had dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, engineers.

Another major policy is the restriction imposed on women’s employment. Many women who previously worked for the government, NGOs, and private businesses lost their jobs which not only affected their personal independence, but also their family’s financial stability.

Additionally, some other policies restricting women’s freedom include the requirement to wear a veil in public; the rules that prevent women from traveling long distances without a mahram present; and policies limiting women’s participation in social activities. Other policies include preventing women from going to parks or restaurants, and those preventing women from driving. In addition, banning women and girls from public bathhouses, amusement parks, and gyms, as well as closing women’s beauty shops.

Can you share a story that illustrates how life has changed for women in Afghanistan?

One of my close relatives was in her final year of university, studying to become engineer. She was one of the brightest students in her class, full of ambition and hope. She wished to complete her education and to contribute to her community through work services in order to support her family financially. When universities became closed to women, she was forced to stay home. Her story is just one of the many thousands of women who have been stripped of their right to education and independence, which has left them in a state of despair. Regardless, she tries to find ways to work from home to support her family financially. Sometimes she teaches Holy Qur’an classes to women and girls in her home, and sometimes she earns income by selling her handicrafts and art. Her story reflects the harsh reality for millions of Afghan women who once had opportunities but now face severe restrictions their rights. Her story also shows our resilience and determination to fight for our rights, even in the darkest times.

Can you describe a moment when you felt the impact of the new rules most strongly?

One of the most painful moments was when my younger sister learned that she could no longer go to school. She woke up early that morning, put on her uniform and was ready to leave when she heard the news that girls were no longer allowed to attend classes. My sister suffered from a nervous illness at that time. She was also depressed because she suffered from not going to school. After awhile, my sister was forced to get married. The future is uncertain as to whether she can continue her education in the future. This moment was an erasure of hope and a future for my sister, and for so many young girls like her.

What would you like the world to understand about your current situation, and what do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of your current situation?

I would like the world to understand that Afghan women are not just victims; we are strong, resilient, and capable. The world needs to know that we have not given up, but we need support and recognition to keep our fight alive. Afghan women’s voices must be heard by the world, and the world must support our struggle for basic human rights. The international community must continue to closely monitor the situation and hold the current government accountable for its actions, and support efforts to protect and promote the rights of Afghan women. Women want gender discrimination to be eliminated and want to play an effective role in society.

The most misunderstood aspect is that Afghan women are not silent or passive. Despite the dangers, many women continue to resist through protests and online activism. Women are fighting for our rights every day, even when the world’s attention shifts elsewhere.

Afghan women need global solidarity; not just sympathy. Afghan women need concrete actions such as diplomatic pressure and humanitarian aid. Platforms to amplify our voices are also crucial.

What gives you hope or strength in these challenging times?

The situation for women in Afghanistan is deeply heartbreaking, and it’s understandable to feel discouraged. But even in the darkest times what gives me strength is the resistance of Afghan women. Despite all the restrictions, I see women continuing to fight for their rights in different ways. For instance, many Afghan women and girls have continued to receive an education via online platforms, secret schools, and international networks. Knowledge is power and cannot be erased. Their courage reminds me that change is possible. I also find strength in the support of my family and the global community that still stands with us. It gives me hope that one day justice will prevail. What gives me hope is that there are very strong women in our society who are still making their voices heard in the world for their rights.

The stories of women show that no restriction is permanent. The fight for education and work will continue, and change will come. I hope that one day the restrictions on women’s employment and education will be removed and women, as one half of society, will be able to play a significant role within the community and country. At last, I wish we had a free and prosperous Afghanistan without gender discrimination, that women and girls could work and study alongside men, with peace, safety and security under the guidance of Islam.

This interview, as well as the others in this series, were conducted by a JURIST correspondent on the ground in Afghanistan. This correspondent, an anonymous legal scholar who focuses on women’s and children’s rights, cannot be identified due to grave security threats. 

*Due to security threats, all interviewees’ identities have been anonymized.