Consequences of Patriarchy and Oppression in Authoritarian Regimes: The Collapse of Afghan Women’s Rights

The Taliban is a religious extremist and nationalistic militant group that regained control in Afghanistan in 2021. As a result of this, many human rights violations have been occurring in the country, more specifically women’s rights. The Taliban is taking extreme measures to suppress women in order to create a patriarchal society so that they may maintain their power in the country. Women from young girls to the elderly all face their rights being taken away, which has had major consequences on all aspects of their lives.

This policy brief is going to focus on the consequences of an authoritarian regime, such as the Taliban. It will draw attention to how women’s rights are not only being taken away today but are at risk of affecting Afghan women’s lives for generations to come. The brief will also include a breakdown of the current events of the country and highlight why it is a pressing issue that needs attention. The main focus of this policy brief is not an attempt to abolish the role of Islam and Sharia Law in the Southwest Asian and North African region, also referred to as the SWANA region, but will mention how it is a tool used by the Taliban in an extreme and harmful way.

Download the brief here

Issued by the Young Feminist Scholars Program, Politics4Her Written by Madelyn Jablonski