The Taliban haven’t changed, but Afghan women have

Immediately after the conquest of Kabul, the Taliban tried to convey a new image of themselves: they ensured respect for women’s rights (even within the limits of the sharia law), they were interviewed by a female journalist (who later, however, fled abroad, aware of being in danger). As the weeks go by, however, it is increasingly evident that the extremist group remained the same of the 90s.

On the other hand, those who have really changed are the Afghans, as demonstrated by the civil opposition in recent weeks.

And, in particular, they have changed women, who are leading the resistance against the military. What happened?

“Over the past 20 years, a generation of Afghans has grown up in a country that has more and more links with the rest of the world,” he explains on The Conversation Weeda Mehran, lecturer at the University of Exeter. “This generation has led a lifestyle significantly different from that experienced by the previous ones. Thanks to the development of independent media, political and social awareness among the general public, especially young people, has increased significantly. Criticizing politicians for their actions had become normal. The freedom of association has allowed the formation of organizations, formal and informal, centered on interests ranging from the arts and music to religion and politics ”.

And the type of resistance – civil and unarmed – also speaks volumes about the new nature of society. «The Afghans who they have experienced violence and bloodshed for more than four decades they understand more than anyone else that non-violent resistance campaigns could be an effective way to move forward ».

Research by social scientists shows that civil disobedience in its various forms, from protests to boycotts, from strikes to non-violent demonstrations, can undermine the legitimacy and power of regimes. Since August 17, the day the Taliban took control of Kabul, more than 100,000 Afghans have fled by plane to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Qatar and other countries. Many human rights activists, as well as journalists, lawyers, doctors and engineers, have sought refuge in neighboring nations, such as Pakistan and Iran. Despite the flight of this social capital, civil resistance remained strong, especially among women.

From 1996 to 2001, when they were in power, the Taliban kicked women out of schools and workplaces, prevented them from leaving the house unaccompanied by the males of the family, imposed a strict dress code and, to ensure obedience, they resorted to fear and violence.

“Two decades later, back in power, the Taliban did not expect widespread resistance led by women Afghan, ”Weeda Mehran added. “Which, however, have played a crucial role in the recent protests, even leading some of them, to which the men then joined.” For example, that of 7 September in front of the Pakistani embassy in Kabul, to protest against Pakistani drones that bombed the Panjshir valley in support of the Taliban. Or the one organized by Herat women in support of their right to work.

The Taliban tried to violently suppress the protests by shooting in the air, stealing cameras and equipment or beating journalists. Meanwhile, as discontent grows, the economy crumbles, unemployment rises, the currency depreciates. “The Taliban may discover, sooner or later, that cracking down on the media and protesters is no longer a viable solution and it could lead to a backlash».