Video Shows Afghan Women Bravely Demanding Rights As Taliban Soldiers Hover Nearby

As Afghanistan falls to the Taliban, women throughout the country are terrified that their rights are going to be taken away and that all progress they’ve made for themselves in the past 20 years will vanish.

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While some Afghans are so fearful of the Taliban that they are attempting to flee the country entirely, some brave women are turning that fear into fortitude, taking to the streets to demand to maintain their rights, and knowing perfectly well that it could end badly for them.

Four women were recorded holding signs declaring their wishes on the streets of Kabul as Taliban soldiers and other citizens hovered nearby.

“They [are simply] asking for their rights, the right to work, the right for education and the right to political participation. The right to live in a safe society,” wrote journalist Masih Alinejad.

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These brave women took to the streets in Kabul to protest against Taliban. They simplify asking for their rights, the right to work, the right for education and the right to political participation.The right to live in a safe society. I hope more women and men join them. pic.twitter.com/pK7OnF2wm2

— Masih Alinejad (@AlinejadMasih) August 17, 2021

Responses to the video were torn, as some expressed hope that the women would prioritize their immediate safety over the decision to potentially go against the Taliban, echoing the hopeless sentiment that many are feeling right now.

This is very brave.
There is no way for women to prioritize their safety in this situation. They know what is coming. The ONLY way to improve their situation is to resist.

— UnintendedConsequences (@InevCalamity) August 17, 2021

every freedom fighter chooses to die for freedom rather than be oppressed.

— Kussnacker (@kussnacker) August 17, 2021

If their Army would have been like these women, perhaps they would not have the need to be doing this now?? Perhaps if more join, then more who have grown up in the last 20 years may also join them? Perhaps a true revolution could happen?

— Rodney Dilts (@Rodneydilts) August 17, 2021

Others applauded their unwavering courage in the face of an uncertain future, and hoped more will join them.

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Time and time again women show that they have the guts and determination to build a better world, even when they have so much to lose personally.

And still people question their ability to lead? https://t.co/cDTZnqqR23

— Ash Menon (@ashvinmenon) August 17, 2021

The Taliban announced on Monday that they want women involved in Afghanistan’s government — as appropriate within Islamic law, though no elaboration occurred. They also claimed they would not take retaliatory measures against Afghans who helped the former government or U.S. troops. 

Many remain skeptical of these unclear promises, wondering if this is merely part of a ploy by the Taliban to appear changed compared to 20 years ago, when their rule was brutal and devastating to their people. And if that skepticism is proven correct, going against the Taliban or demanding rights could prove to have dire consequences, making what these women did astonishingly brave in the midst of all this turmoil.

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*First Published: August 17, 2021, 8:43 am