Women and girls in Afghanistan are suffering terrible physical and emotional hardships since the Taliban regained control. The incessant oppressive edicts prohibit women from education, public life, cultural and social enrichment and continuously shrink opportunities for freedom of expression. It's very hard to understand what it must be like to endure the increasingly maniacal laws that Afghan women are having to deal with as prisoners in their own lives; however, the suppression of women's voices is something we can certainly appreciate in our lives as a fundamental attack on human liberty.
There is no justification for the appalling oppression of women, who are being gagged and silenced.
The palpable outrage at this latest edition in the series of inhumane Taliban edicts should not pass us by without us taking action. Take a look, below, at how you can get involved and support women and girls in Afghanistan.
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WRN SILENT VIGILS
This will be a regular event every 4-6 weeks leading up to a mass participation Vigil event in London next Spring/Summer.
WRN groups will hold regular silent vigils in their towns and cities, to show support and solidarity for Afghan women and girls in their darkest days, show them that we will never forget, and highlight this most recent attack on Afghan women's voices.
Please come and join us at your local vigil.
FOLLOW US ON X - @WRNAfghanistan
FOR LOCAL VIGIL INFORMATION
#NoToTaliban
FOLLOW US ON X - @WRNAfghanistan
LEAFLETS
The news from Afghanistan is increasingly bleak. Our leaflets are one way to raise awareness among the general public about what is being done to women and girls there.
DONATE
There is a lot of support work going on behind the scenes within our WRN Afghanistan group to keep the issue of Afghan women's rights at the forefront of our activities.
Making a donation is another way that you can help support the work we are doing to raise awareness and provide direct support
WRITE TO YOUR MP
We have already written to the Prime Minister, and will continue to write to him and other relevant Cabinet Ministers.
We are asking that the UK join with the Netherlands, Australia, Germany and Canada in their action to bring the Taliban to the International Court of Justice to be held accountable for their crimes.
We are asking you to contact your MP asking them to press the PM into the action detailed in our letter.
WE ASK KEIR STARMER
To lead the UK into joining with the Netherlands, Australia, Germany and Canada and support their action to bring the Taliban to the International Court of Justice to be held accountable for their crimes.
To recognise the scale and nature of the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan and Iran, including gender persecution, as per its legal definition, and gender apartheid, as per its working definition.
To publicly condemn the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan and Iran, including as amounting to gender persecution and gender apartheid, and call for accountability for their treatment.
THE TALIBAN HAVE ALSO BROUGHT BACK STONING FOR ADULTERY
WE HAVE HEARD HARROWING STORIES OF:
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IMPRISONMENT
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PROLONGED SEXUAL ABUSE
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TORTURE
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FORCED ABORTION
DON'T FORGET ABOUT AFGHAN WOMEN
Since seizing power in 2021 some of the things the Taliban have banned for women and girls:
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All educations for girls over the age of 12
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Women showing their faces
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Almost all jobs*
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Going out without a male relative
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Using gyms, parks or restaurants
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Dealing with male shopkeepers
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Beauty parlours - previously invaluable single-sex spaces of support and community
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Laughing and unnecessary talking or talking in public
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Listening to music**
*Some healthcare work is permitted
**Also applies to men
RAISE AWARENESS!
You can purchase WRN Afghanistan clothing and flags from Violet Vend to visibly raise awareness about the plight of Afghan women as you go about your day. All profits from the sale of products in our Afghanistan range will directly support our campaign.
AWARENESS RAISING
PDF Poster - explaining the purpose of the vigil - download here
Campaign Leaflets - available at subsidised cost
Campaign Flag - 'Don't Forget Afghan Women' flag to help start conversations
Branded Merchandise - already available on Violet Vend.
READ OUR BLOGS
TOGETHER WE CAN SHOW WOMEN AND GIRLS IN AFGHANISTAN THAT THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN