“Life in Afghanistan has become… exactly like a dark grave.”

These words, spoken by a woman in Sar-e Pol province of Afghanistan, are not hyperbole. They are an accurate description of daily existence in the country ranked worst in the world for women.

Since August 2021, when the Taliban regime retook power, Afghan women have been subjected to unprecedented levels of gender-based oppression that they describe as akin to imprisonment. Many recall the pride of attending school or contributing to their communities through work. That pride has been replaced by feelings of isolation and frustration as doors remain closed.

“Families are now afraid to have daughters because they see them only as a burden in the home,” said Zulaikha from Parwan, one of 165 testimonies of Afghan women recently collected by the Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies (DROPS).

In rural areas, women are completely excluded from employment and education and must rely on male relatives for any public activity. They face extreme barriers to accessing health care with a severe shortage of female health workers. In urban areas, women face morality police in all spaces, bans on makeup and mobile phones, and constant surveillance and harassment for their clothing or any “unapproved” behavior such as speaking loudly or laughing. 

These are not just policy setbacks, but personal blows to women’s dignity and future. As Zulaikha explained, “If you need even the smallest thing, you must ask a man for money and then face many questions: Why do you want it? What do you need?”

Unsurprisingly, this has led to a widespread mental health and fatigue crisis. Trapped inside homes with compounding trauma and fear, several testimonials detailed severe depression, exhaustion, anxiety, and rising suicide rates, often following incidents of sexual violence. 

These accounts offer a glimpse into the unprecedented horror and heartbreak Afghan women navigate. However, while the world may only see them as victims, their reality is far more complex. Despite deep frustration, fear, and grief, many Afghan women have doubled down on their efforts to lead a better life. 

As Behnaz from Herat put it: “What I see from [women in Afghanistan] every day is effort, creativity, and resistance in order to carry on living.” 

In urban areas, many Afghan women report focusing on home-based economic activities such as tailoring, handicrafts, and food production in order to generate income. They also use online platforms for education and work, including teaching, translation, design, social media management, and networks that provide information, resources, and emotional support. 

Women in rural areas have turned to agriculture, livestock, and cooperative solutions for skill development, and also rely on family and community support. 

Afghan women emphasized that they respond to Taliban oppression in vastly different ways depending on their social, cultural, and personal contexts. While many practice active defiance such as teaching secretly, for others, survival strategies may mean more pragmatic adaptations, such as economic marriage or acceptance of restrictions. Women emphasized that recognizing this spectrum of responses is essential, as it highlights individual agency and varied realities without diminishing the systemic harm Taliban policies inflict on all women and girls. 

“…Everyone finds a way according to the resources available to them,” Farida from Jawzjan said.

Resistance is not successful only when there is policy change. As many women articulated, any resistance in the face of such insurmountable odds is a success. 

“It is women’s resistance that has at least prevented all schools from being closed and kept some fields of work open to women, though under severe restrictions,” Zohal from Baghlan explained.

This dual reality of an unprecedented human rights catastrophe alongside an indefatigable spirit of defiance was reinforced by a survey of 500 Afghan women peacebuilders conducted by DROPS and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS). Afghan women who work across multiple sectors reported greater negative consequences (including from aid cuts) and fewer personal benefits from their efforts compared to women globally. And yet, the majority of Afghan women said they will continue their efforts. 

These reports from Afghan women underscore why their perspectives are essential in charting the international community’s response to Afghanistan. Only they can accurately describe the impact of restrictions. Without their input, policies risk perpetuating harm and failing to address half the population’s needs. Afghan women insist on meaningful inclusion in peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and political decision-making processes. 

The GIWPS-DROPS report includes a more comprehensive list of key demands of Afghan women, including pressuring Taliban authorities to urgently restore education and employment opportunities, as well as directing flexible funding to local organizations and setting up mentorship networks. 

Afghan women have demonstrated unrivalled courage in unimaginably difficult circumstances and at great costs; the world must honor their persistence and begin by ensuring they have a seat at the table.

“Nevertheless, Afghan women still try to remain strong and build their lives and futures. We live in hope of a bright future. As the poet says, ‘We have stitched our hearts to hope,’” said Samana from Sar-e Pol.