Taliban enforces strict dress code, sparking deadly protests in Herat over women's rights
Original framing: “Two killed in rare street demonstration over women’s rights in Afghanistan” — The Guardian - World
The Taliban’s current policies echo those of their previous rule in the 1990s, when women were banned from public life. Similar patterns of repression and resistance have occurred in other Islamic states, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, where women have led movements for greater rights.
The protests in Herat are not just about dress codes but about the broader struggle for women’s rights and autonomy in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s enforcement of these policies is rooted in a historical pattern of using gender-based oppression to maintain control, a strategy seen in other authoritarian regimes. Indigenous resistance, supported by international allies, offers a path forward that respects local knowledge while promoting systemic change. By integrating cross-cultural strategies, amplifying marginalized voices, and modeling future governance, it is possible to create a more inclusive and just society for Afghan women.