In Kabul, a young woman reflects on the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021 after the departure of U.S.-led NATO forces. Living under strict Taliban rules, approximately 22 million women and girls have experienced a loss of rights, starting with bans on education, travel, employment, and public activities.
Under the Taliban’s regime, women are restricted from going outside without a male guardian, pursuing higher education or most jobs, visiting public spaces like parks or gyms, and even speaking out in public. Many women now feel confined to their homes due to severe limitations on movement, as highlighted in a recent UN Women report.
Despite having a prior association with Canadian-funded projects, a woman referred to as X for safety reasons faced challenges in applying for Canada’s immigration program for Afghans who assisted the government. While she received endorsements, her application was never processed, leaving her feeling abandoned by the system.
X’s story reflects the struggles of many Afghan women who feel marginalized and oppressed under the Taliban’s rule. Despite these hardships, X continues to advocate for her right to seek a better life outside of Afghanistan, hoping that her voice will not go unheard.