"We are here to demand our rights, we are not afraid." With this slogan, about fifty women protested on Thursday in Herat, western Afghanistan, to pressure the new Taliban regime ahead of the anticipated announcement of its government formation. The women chanted "We have the right to education, work, and security," and some held signs calling for respect for women's rights.
Farishta Taheri, one of the protesters, told AFP in a phone interview, "We are here to demand our rights," adding, "Women and girls fear that the Taliban will not allow them to go to school and work." The protest took place in Herat, the largest city in western Afghanistan, known for being relatively open and located along the ancient Silk Road near the Iranian border. At least one of the protesters wore a burqa while the others wore hijabs.
Farishta Taheri, an artist and photographer, said, "We are even ready to wear the burqa if they tell us to, but we want women to be able to go to school and work," adding, "Currently, most women who work in Herat stay at home, amid fear and uncertainty."
When the Taliban previously ruled Afghanistan, they banned women and girls from education and work, and they could not leave home without a male guardian. Although the Taliban have claimed that they have changed since taking control of the country again, and have repeatedly announced their intention to form an "inclusive" government, these promises have been contradicted by statements made by the Taliban's deputy political office director in Qatar, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, on Wednesday to BBC.
When asked about the upcoming government formation expected to be announced on Friday, Stanikzai hinted that there "might not be" women in ministerial or responsible positions, and that their participation could be in lower ranks. The women protesting in Herat oppose this possibility, with one of them, Mariam Abrar, stating, "We watch the news, we do not see any women during the meetings and gatherings organized by the Taliban."
Basira Taheri, one of the organizers of the protest, said, "Negotiations are underway to form a government, but they are not talking about women's participation... We want the Taliban to consult with us." While girls did return to school in Herat at the end of August, just days after the collapse of governmental forces and local factions, the situation deteriorated with the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, and many women remain at home, not daring to go outside.
Mariam Abrar recounted, "Even in the city, we do not see many women, and the few female doctors or nurses who dared to return to work complain that Taliban members mock them." She told BBC on Wednesday evening, "People are much more aware now; they have different aspirations for Afghanistan and expectations from the government," emphasizing the importance of social media as a "very powerful tool" for mobilization.
In Herat, women vow to remain in the streets until their demands are heard. Basira Taheri confirms, "We will continue our protests; they started in Herat and will soon extend to other provinces."
