Member-only story
What Women Are Willing To Believe
Taliban promise to be more moderate where women’s rights are concerned
AMONG the challenges facing Afghanistan presently are the Taliban’s repressive past and the tiny taste of women’s freedom that was being enjoyed by many that have long admired the idealism and openness that women in the western world have enjoyed.
The concern and disappoint many of Americans have had for our departure reflects a concern that these women will face greater restrictions and actual loss of hard-won rights that have given these women a glimmer of hope. Education being one of the most important. Many Americans that believed it was past time to exit the country still has strong feelings about the future of women to achieve education and job security as well as other basic rights.
The Taliban talk of more moderation in positions related to women. My first thought is that. that could look like a low bar. But what evidence is there that the Taliban are or will be serious about this. I believe the women there are strong willed and will demand more but it will likely be up to the rest of the world to continue to shine a light on the reality on the ground.
Not long-ago Taliban leaders implored women to stay home from work. To not be out on the streets because the Taliban male population…
