“I’ve been under house arrest for two years now, fearing that my identity might be revealed”

Zarinah

women’s rights expert, Balkh

Woman in a hijab walks along a tile courtyard.

“I have many years of experience, holding various titles and responsibilities in the previous government, including as a teacher, head of the Women’s Department, and as Deputy Provincial Administrator. During my service, I solved many cases of family violence and saved many women from forced marriages and being married at a young age by taking them to safe houses.

I was repeatedly threatened by the Taliban and various extremist groups while undertaking these activities. Regrettably, numerous unidentified individuals from various groups, including the Taliban, are currently still attempting to take revenge against me.

When the Taliban came to power, I felt a sense of despair and defeat, as if an electric shock had struck me. Fear and terror overwhelmed my entire being as I witnessed the destruction of all our achievements before my very eyes. I was concerned that the dark era of the Taliban would repeat itself, and indeed it has. Under the restrictive and extremist policies of the Taliban, I feel like a mere moving corpse with no choice to live, [only to survive].

When our province fell into the hands of the Taliban, we just managed to leave our place of residence and relocate to another province. Currently, I am hiding in a temporary shelter, full of fear and anxiety, and have been under house arrest for two years. I fear that my identity may be revealed and that the Taliban and vengeful groups may track me at some point.

Two months after the Taliban completely took over the country, my original house was surrounded by the Taliban. They had a warrant for my arrest. In the second province where I now live secretly, I have changed my residence five times. Each time, I receive information that Taliban secret security forces have come to my previous location. Fortunately, I’ve always managed to leave my hiding place before being identified and arrested. I’ve been under house arrest for two years now, fearing that my identity might be revealed. Unfortunately, this situation has put tremendous pressure on my family and children, who are constantly in distress and concern.

The rising suicide rate, as well as forced and early marriages are all consequences of the restrictions imposed by the Taliban. These restrictions have even had a negative impact on the minds of the men of our nation. Many women complain of increasing family violence. If the situation continues in the same way for a few more years, all the men and boys of Afghanistan will become brainwashed. The Taliban encourage them to wage jihad [holy war] and perpetrate suicide [bombings], including in schools and at mosques.

I urge the international community to stop the Taliban and prevent the destruction of a nation and the achievements of several years.”

“The upcoming generation may face illiteracy and dependence on others”

A woman crouches and picks weeds in a garden.