In the three years since the Taliban's abrupt seizure of Kabul, the plight of Afghan girls and women has become a dire emblem of dignity betrayed and dreams extinguished. With the rapid withdrawal of international forces, the promises of a brighter, more accessible future for Afghan women have been ruthlessly replaced by an oppressive reality. Education, freedom, and fundamental human rights have been swept away by a regime that enforces rigid fundamentalist ideologies. Women have been forcibly removed from public life, barred from education, and stripped of their right to work. The imposition of strict dress codes and the reinstatement of draconian laws have confined them to the margins of society, where their voices are stifled and their potential unrealized. In my capacity as a volunteer with #AfghanEvac, every day, I receive countless messages that reveal the heart-wrenching reality faced by Afghan women who are in profound despair. This tragic situation is compounded by a global media that has largely shifted its focus away from their plight, leaving their stories unheard and their struggles unnoticed.

Despite the waning international focus, Afghan women's silent courage continues to resonate, calling for renewed global solidarity and action. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to their strength and a poignant reminder of the liberties they have lost and their deferred dreams. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to their suffering. At this time, it is imperative to reawaken the global conscience and advocate for the rights and dignity of Afghan women and girls.

The Taliban's return to power has heralded a brutal regression for women's rights in Afghanistan. The freedoms painstakingly gained over the past two decades have been systematically dismantled. For instance, women have been forcibly removed from public life, such as being barred from working in government offices and stripped of their right to work. The imposition of strict dress codes, such as the burqa, and the reinstatement of draconian laws, like the ban on women's sports, have confined them to the margins of society, where their voices are stifled and their potential unrealized.

The situation is bleak for Afghan girls. Schools have been shut down, and access to education has become a distant dream. The Taliban's policies have effectively erased years of progress, denying a generation of girls the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities. This educational blackout is not just a violation of their rights but a grave disservice to the future of Afghanistan. It now faces the prospect of a lost generation, with a significant portion of its population lacking the skills and knowledge necessary for the country's development.

The international community, including governments, NGOs, and organizations, is morally obligated to respond to this humanitarian crisis. While the political complexities of Afghanistan are undeniable, the plight of its women and girls demands immediate and sustained attention. Governments should use their diplomatic influence, NGOs should mobilize resources, and international organizations should coordinate efforts to develop and implement strategies to support and relieve Afghan women. One such attempt led by former Afghan lawmaker Naheed Farid has created a petition to Criminalize Gender Apartheid as a crime against humanity, which aims to bring international attention and condemnation to the Taliban's discriminatory policies.

Diplomatic pressure must be maintained to ensure that the Taliban adhere to international human rights standards. This includes advocating with Human Rights Watch and Save the Children for reopening schools for girls and reinstating women's rights to work and participate in public life. The global community must hold the Taliban accountable for their actions and continue to push for meaningful changes that can improve the lives of Afghan women. This sustained pressure is crucial to prevent any backsliding on the rights of Afghan women and girls.

Humanitarian aid must be increased and effectively channeled to reach those in need. This aid should focus on providing Afghan women and girls with education, healthcare, and economic support. Specifically, it should include funding for reopening and maintaining schools, access to healthcare services, and economic empowerment programs. Particular attention should be given to creating safe spaces where women can access these services without fear of retribution.

Empowerment of Afghan women should not only come from external sources but must also be fostered from within the country. Afghan women have shown remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, often forming underground networks to continue their education and support one another. Grassroots efforts from the #AfghanEvac coalition and others must be supported and amplified. It is crucial to provide resources and platforms for Afghan women to connect, share their stories, and advocate for their rights. International organizations can play a significant role by partnering with local women's groups and amplifying their voices on the global stage.

As we reflect on the three years since the fall of Kabul, it is clear that the international community cannot afford to abandon Afghan women and girls. Their plight is a reminder of the fragility of human rights and the need for constant vigilance and advocacy. By renewing our commitment to their cause, we can help restore their dignity, support their dreams, and ensure that their silent cries for justice do not go unheard. The time to act is now, and the responsibility lies with each of us to stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan, fighting for a future where their rights are respected and their voices are heard.

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Photo: Afghan women hold placards as they protest for their right to education, in Mazar-e Sharif. Photo by Atef Aryan/AFP.