‘We won’t keep quiet because the Taliban want us’: Rally for Afghan women’s rights in Herat province

Nearly three dozen Afghan women have demonstrated in front of the governor’s office in western Herat province, urging the new government to maintain progress in women’s rights following the Taliban takeover. Friba Kabarzani, the organizer of Thursday’s rally, says the new government should have women’s political participation, including the cabinet and the loya jirga, or council of elders.

Noting that Afghan women have made many sacrifices over the past 20 years, she said: “We want the world to listen to us and we want our rights to be protected.” To join the march, although they wished to be out of fear for their own safety, in mid-August the Taliban religious militia took control of the country. Another participant, Maryam Abram, said that although the Taliban were giving beautiful speeches on television, there has been an abuse of power in a public place. We have seen him again beating up women, he said, adding that his group plans to continue the protest and demand their rights.