On 15th August 2024, three years after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, SADAA and the Institute of Research and Reforms (IRR) co-hosted a significant event to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by Afghan women and girls. Since the Taliban's resurgence, Afghan women have faced an alarming rollback of their rights, with bans on education, restrictions from public spaces, limited access to medical care, and the constant threat of arbitrary arrest. This event, held at Soho House, London, aimed to spotlight these grave inequalities and discuss a way forward.

The event began with a screening of Elham Ehsas’ poignant short film, Yellow. This film, praised as a "masterpiece in twelve minutes," captures the essence of womanhood in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Through the story of a young woman confronting the harsh reality of life under the Taliban, the film delves into the psychological and physical barriers imposed on women, symbolised by the chadari. Elham Ehsas, in his discussion following the screening, emphasised that the chadari is "the most efficient tool with which to make women completely invisible," serving as a powerful metaphor for the status of Afghan women today. His narrative highlights how the most profound stories often emerge from the smallest moments, like the exchange between a woman and man in a chadari store—a reflection of the broader issue of women’s emancipation in Afghanistan.

Journalist Tim Walker then delivered a stirring speech on the broader implications of the Taliban’s rule. Known for his advocacy for Afghan refugees and journalists, Walker emphasised the need for continuous international support, quoting Senator Rehman Malik's call to “stay blessed” and reminding us that we must fight for those in need "not because we have to, but because we can."

One of the event's most moving moments came from three Afghan refugee athletes—Sabrina, Marygritaz, and Tamana—who shared their harrowing journeys of fleeing Taliban persecution. As professional kickboxers and MMA fighters, they spoke passionately about their love for their sport and their hope to continue their careers in the UK. However, their thoughts remained with their families back home. Sabrina’s heartfelt account of her 14-year-old sister, who still dons her school uniform every day in the hope of returning to school, underscored the enduring resilience and dreams of Afghan girls, despite their harsh reality.

The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion among five experts and advocates. Shabnam Nasimi, Executive Director of SADAA and a fervent women’s rights advocate, decried the “hypocrisy” of global feminists who overlook the plight of Afghan women. She described Afghanistan as “practically a prison” for women today, where they are barred from schools, universities, and public spaces, and face dire challenges in accessing medical aid. Nasimi's call for tangible change resonated strongly, urging the international community to break its silence.

Mandy Sanghera, an award-winning philanthropist and human rights advocate, echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment at the international community's failures over the past three years. She painted a grim picture of Afghanistan today—where child marriage is rampant, families are forced to sell their children and organs to survive, and poverty is widespread. Yet, she lamented, Afghanistan has largely faded from global consciousness and the daily news cycle.

In the discussions that followed, Ali Rehman Malik, Chairman of the IRR, stressed the need for coordinated state-level action to push for change in Afghanistan. However, he emphasised that the voices of Afghan women must not be excluded from this process; they must be empowered and heard.

At an individual level, the event called on everyone to continue advocating for Afghan women and girls. Organisations like SADAA, which centre community and sisterhood in their work, play a crucial role in building networks and amplifying the voices of those in need. With new governments coming into power globally, it is essential to keep the situation in Afghanistan at the forefront of political discussions to ensure sustained international engagement.

But as the news cycle inevitably shifts, we must not allow our voices to fall silent. The plight of Afghan women must remain at the forefront of global consciousness. Advocacy cannot be sporadic; it must be a daily effort, the only way to exert the pressure necessary to bring about meaningful social change. The international community must hear our unwavering support for Afghan women, not just in moments of outrage, but consistently, with the resolve that comes from unity. Global leaders express shock and dismay, but words alone are not enough—they must be compelled to action.

We must unite against the gender apartheid enforced by the Taliban and their barbaric rule. Only when we stand together, undeterred and vocal, will the world take us seriously. The fight for the rights of Afghan women is a fight for justice, equality, and human dignity. It is a fight we cannot afford to lose, and it is a fight we must continue every single day.

The event was a powerful reminder of the urgent need to stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan. SADAA extends its deepest thanks to the panellists, moderator Sarah Sands, Tim Walker, and the Afghan athletes for their inspiring contributions. Most importantly, this event underscored an unwavering message: We must not forget the women and girls of Afghanistan, and we must continue to fight for meaningful change towards their freedom.