Women and Young Girls Rise Up in Herat

The streets and alleyways of Afghanistan's major cities recently witnessed arrests and brutal violence by Taliban armed groups over the “improper hijab”. As a result women and young girls in Herat, which was particularly hard hit, organised a protest that was met with severe Taliban repression.

The women marched peacefully, chanting “open the schools to girls” and “enough of Taliban violence against women”, when they were confronted by Taliban military units. They were hit with naked brutality, hatred, arrests and bullets. However, this rightful outcry of women will not be silenced.

Terrified by the prospect of another women-led uprising, like the Women-Life-Freedom uprising in Iran in 2022, a protest that won solidarity and support across Iran and around the world, the Taliban has been shaken.

So far, large numbers of protesters have been arrested, at least two people have lost their lives, and more than 30 more have been injured. Taliban forces are now carrying out house-to-house searches in pursuit of those who took part in the demonstrations and marches. Yet the more widespread the repression becomes, the more the people’s anger and discontent is intensifying. A wave has begun that will not easily be contained.

We stand wholeheartedly alongside the women and young people's protests for freedom, against the compulsory wearing of hijabs, for the right of girls and women to an education, and for liberation from Taliban rule in whatever form it appears. The women of Herat are not alone. We consider ourselves part of their struggle, their pain, their hope, and their resistance.

Long live the rightful protests of women, girls and the young people of Herat.

Long live freedom and equality.

Down with repression and misogyny.

We hope for the expansion and advance of these struggles across other cities and throughout Afghanistan.

Dear friends, you are not alone. A world of freedom-loving, equality-seeking, protesters and activists stand beside you. We salut your courage, determination and your commitment.

Halaleh Taheri

Founder and Executive Director of the Middle Eastern Women & Society Organisation