Missing: Women's Rights Activists in Afghanistan

     Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the rights of women in Afghanistan have gradually been receding. Education for girls over the age of 12 has been severely restricted as well as many other restrictions on how women can live their lives. However, the most concerning issue lies in the recent abductions of Afghan women.

    Following many women's rights protests in Kabul, six women have been identified as missing. On the 19th of January, Parwana Ibrahim Khil, along with her brother-in-law, were abducted while traveling in Kabul. That same evening Tamana Paryani was abducted from her home along with her three sisters. Two other women, Ms. Khil and Ms. Paryani, have also been reported as missing. So far these are the only people who have been reported as missing, but there have been many reports that the homes of the women who attend the protests are being searched. 

Six women’s rights activists still missing in Afghanistan 

    Tamana Paryani was able to film part of her abduction. She posted the video on social media in which she is heard in which she is pleading for the soldiers to leave her and her sisters alone. Paryani and her sisters are still missing. Taliban officials made a statement that Paryani faked the video in an attempt to receive asylum abroad. There has been very little information about where these women might be and whether authorities are looking for the women. 

Afghan women taken from their homes after speaking out

    These women are all incredibly brave for speaking out against the Taliban and the news of their abductions should be receiving significantly more attention. The Taliban is currently trying to access $9 billion in frozen assets as well as trying to receive official recognition as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. The Taliban's need to accomplish this could be used as leverage to have the women returned to their home if it received enough attention. The fact that only six women have been named does not mean they are the only ones who have disappeared.  

The Taliban faces questions about missing women activists

    Regardless of these abductions women continue to hold protests. They demonstrate the strength and power that women hold. These women deserve support and recognition for continuing to protest in incredibly dangerous conditions. Their abductions need to be investigated properly and not swept under the rug. Women in Afghanistan should not have to live in fear.