Kabul Women Protesting On Street Face Taliban Violence, Tear Gas: Reports

Kabul women protesting on Saturday were reportedly subjected to a clash with Taliban forces that fired tear gas at them. With placards in their hands and slogans on their lips, women were marching to the presidential palace in defence of their rights under Taliban-ruled Afghanistan when violence broke out.

This was day two of ongoing demonstrations led by women activists in the capital.

Political representation as the Taliban inches towards legitimacy with the formation of their official government in Afghanistan is a focal point of agitation among women, whose fundamental rights hang in the balance. The Taliban are known for their repressive stance towards women and have already asserted women will have access to rights as decreed by the Islamic sharia law.

On social media and off, on the streets, Afghan women have been rallying behind the cause of women presently being blocked out of political participation as administrations change hands in the country.

Similar protests took place in Herat on Friday as women raised their voices for their right to work, study and partake in public life.

Kabul Women Protest Faces Pushback From Taliban: Women's Political Future On Edge

Visuals from the women-led protest in Kabul are going viral on the internet. Reports from TOLO News quote women claiming Taliban gunmen prevented them from proceeding to the palace by "spraying tear gas."

Look to the footage:



What is happening with #women marches in #Kabul.



It seems civilian and political protest are not allow any more.



Taliban trying to stop women march which happening second day in row. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/vqa8QONLOj

— Zaki Daryabi (@ZDaryabi) September 4, 2021

Certain reports also identify a woman protestor named Rabia Sadat who was allegedly attacked during the protest and suffered injuries to her face.

Taliban violently dispersed protest held by Afghan women today in #Kabul



Women demanding their rights to work and education



This woman was one of those who suffered injuries



Taliban has banned many women from working outside their homes, girls from attending school/university. pic.twitter.com/KU37Cguhi1

— Frud Bezhan فرود بيژن (@FrudBezhan) September 4, 2021

Afghan women activists, journalists, political spokespersons and public figures SheThePeople spoke to have all relayed the deep sense of dread that runs on the ground in their country at the return of the Taliban in power after two decades. Social, educational and political rights are seriously compromised for them, women say, with memories of Taliban atrocities and oppressive regulations from the 1990s still fresh in the country's memory.

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