Online Campaign For Afghan Women After Activists Gone Missing

Six months into the Taliban's control over Afghanistan and despite numerous statements by its government officials reassuring the international community that women will be safe under their rule, women activists are reportedly facing a serious crackdown across the country.

According to several Afghan sources, 29 Afghan women were detained last Friday in Kabul during a crackdown by the Taliban's government, following several pro-freedoms protests in the country, many of which led by women activists.

The news which was also confirmed by the US special envoy for Afghan Women, Girls and Human Rights Rina Amiri has prompted an online campaign in solidarity with Afghan women, who are facing growing difficulty in terms of education and work under the Taliban rule.

Abducted activists include journalists and feminist activists who have been vocally demanding the Taliban to protect their rights in the country.

The online campaign that uses the hashtag #StandWithWomenInAfghanistan, features social media people posting their photos with the same hashtag written on their palms as they cover parts of their faces.

The Taliban had returned to power in August 2021 as US-led NATO troops were withdrawing from the country as per the 2020 agreement between the Taliban and the former US administration.

Written by Riham Darwish