By Natalia Rueda 
Throughout history, women’s rights have often served as an indicator of broader social progress, shedding light on what modernization really entails. In Afghanistan, the fall of the government and subsequent takeover by the Taliban has sent shock waves through the female population, taking away their rights and emancipation.
New Taliban laws seek to bury women’s voices in public spaces
It is outrageous and disturbing that in the midst of the 21st century, women in Afghanistan are being subjected to unjust and restrictive laws by the Taliban that completely eliminate their presence in society. Under these rules, women are forbidden to speak in public, show their skin and even look at men. They are denied the ability to sing or read in public, and are forced to submit to the law known as “Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.” These actions represent a severe setback in the advances achieved by women in terms of freedoms and participation in public life.
While other parts of the world are increasingly fighting for women’s equality and rights, it is alarming to see how women in Afghanistan are being denied their basic freedoms. Approximately 21 million Afghan women face an oppressive regime that limits their voice and participation in society. This is not only a disgrace for women, but also a major obstacle to the development of the country as a whole.
The recent measure imposed by the Taliban has been condemned by the European Union, which has called it a “severe blow” to the rights of Afghan women and girls. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has made it clear that this action is unacceptable and an impediment to the normalization of international relations with the Afghan fundamentalist regime.