In this interview, Dr. Raghav Sharma, Director of Afghan Studies at O.P. Jindal University, discusses the neglected issue of women’s rights in Afghanistan three years after the Taliban’s return to power. He explains how women’s rights have often been instrumentalized by the international community to justify interventions, yet little has been done on the ground to improve their lives.
Dr. Sharma highlights the irony that the Taliban, despite their oppressive regime, were not only recognized by global powers like the U.S. but were also invited for peace talks by the United Nations, without any red lines drawn regarding their treatment of women. He critiques the UN for failing to engage Afghan women or hold the Taliban accountable during these discussions.
Furthermore, Dr. Sharma questions the recent statement by the UN Women’s head in Afghanistan about investments benefiting women, pointing out that in a country where women cannot hold bank accounts, work, or receive education, such investments are meaningless. He details how women have been disproportionately affected, losing jobs and being restricted to low-paying roles in sectors like farming and carpet weaving.
Dr. Sharma also addresses the waning global attention towards Afghanistan, overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, leading to a sense of disinterest and fatigue.
He emphasizes the importance of advocacy, especially in partnership with local Afghan voices, to continue the fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Without this, the already grim situation could deteriorate further, leaving Afghan women even more vulnerable.
