Hundreds of women in Afghanistan and around the world have protested against the Taliban’s misogynistic and repressive policies in Afghanistan on the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day. Through the release of statements, messages, and protest videos, they have described the continuation of the current situation as a clear crime against humanity and have called for it to be recognized as gender apartheid.
These women have also launched a campaign calling for the support of the international community, international human rights institutions, and other influential figures, stating that all available tools must be used to restore women to public life, achieve gender equality, and secure their freedom. They have condemned the “silence and inaction of international institutions” in the face of the systematic bans imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, adding that these institutions have spoken about women’s rights for years, yet today, in the face of one of the most glaring examples of the systematic violation of women’s rights in the world, no effective or decisive action is being taken. In their view, indifference toward the exclusion of half of Afghanistan’s population is a clear betrayal of the principles of justice and human rights.
The United Nations, referring to the ban on female employees who are citizens of Afghanistan from entering the organization’s offices, has stated that it has now been six months since the Taliban imposed this restriction in Afghanistan. According to the UN, this action is unprecedented in the organization’s 80-year history.
On the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day, many women and girls have expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s misogynistic policies in Afghanistan by releasing protest videos, calling on the international community to recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan. These women have stated that the street is their battleground and that they will continue to fight until equality is achieved, social justice is secured, and women are freed from Taliban rule. Some of these women and girls have protested against the Taliban’s policies toward women by launching protest hashtags and even by taking to the streets of Kabul. They have stated that the Taliban, through the imposition of restrictive bans, have deprived them of educational, academic, and employment opportunities, as well as their meaningful participation in society, and have fully institutionalized gender apartheid in the country. These women have called on the international community to activate international accountability mechanisms to address the widespread violation of women’s rights. Meanwhile, the United Nations has once again called for the immediate lifting of the ban preventing female employees and contractors who are citizens of Afghanistan from accessing the organization’s workplaces. The organization has stated that it has now been six months since the Taliban imposed this restriction in Afghanistan. According to the UN, this action is unprecedented in the organization’s 80-year history.
UN Women in Afghanistan has stated that throughout this period, its female colleagues who are citizens of Afghanistan have consistently demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and determination, and have continued to serve the people of Afghanistan despite these unprecedented restrictions. The organization’s statement noted that the United Nations and its partners cannot safely reach women and girls in Afghanistan or provide assistance that is culturally appropriate and responsive to their needs without women being able to fully and unimpededly carry out their roles.
The organization has emphasized that aid must be delivered by women, for women. According to the body, UN agencies, funds, and programs are regularly making operational adjustments to maintain principled and critical activities. The statement noted that the longer these restrictions continue, the greater the risk to these life-saving services will become. UN Women also wrote: “On this International Women’s Day, we stand with the women of Afghanistan and once again call for the immediate lifting of this ban.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO) also wrote on its X page on the occasion of March 8: “As International Women’s Day approaches, the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Afghanistan reaffirms its commitment to supporting women’s resilience, dignity, and access to education and livelihood opportunities in the country.”
The organization added that in 2026, women will, on average, earn approximately 20 percent less than men, and that this situation is unacceptable. According to the body, gaps in employment, income, and leadership roles for women around the world continue to persist, and at the current pace, achieving equality in employment could take nearly two centuries.
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has announced that women and girls of Afghanistan are not seeking pity or charitable assistance, but rather the observance of their rights and a life of equal dignity. In a video message on the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day, he stated that the women of Afghanistan expect the international community to take a clear stance on this issue and to support their rights through diplomatic pressure. Bennett, referring to the past four years, emphasized that the Taliban have institutionalized a gender-based system designed around exclusion and segregation to dominate women.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan emphasized that such a system does not exist anywhere else in the world today. He added that, nonetheless, the women of Afghanistan have not surrendered and continue to lead both across the country and in exile, organizing underground schools, providing healthcare, and documenting human rights violations. Bennett also noted that the women of Afghanistan have tirelessly advocated for their rights and are fighting for the future of their country, and that despite severe repression, women-led organizations continue to operate. He warned that cuts to financial aid to Afghanistan will have devastating consequences and stressed the importance of supporting women-led civil society organizations in Afghanistan.
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of March 8, shared a photo of women of Afghanistan and stated: “On this March 8, Spain stands as a defender of women’s rights around the world.” The ministry’s statement read: “Spain condemns the oppression of women globally, particularly in countries where it is especially severe, such as Iran and Afghanistan.”
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
۸ مارچ در افغانستان؛ اعتراض زنان به آپارتاید جنسیتی و بیعملی جهان
