Podcast: This is how Afghan women are affected by the Taliban attack

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Barely 20 years after the start of the US-led intervention, the superpower has now left Afghanistan. In recent months, the Taliban have taken control of more and more cities of strategic importance – and many observers believe that Kabul will fall within a few months.
DN reporter, Sana Toren Burling, takes a closer look at how recent years’ investments in gender equality and improving conditions for women have been affected by developments in the country.

Despite the great progress that has been made, Afghanistan is a traditionally conservative country. So the woman was always defeated. In the early 1920s, when King Amanullah wanted to implement progressive reforms, there was a struggle. His wife, the Queen, went naked – which was a contributing factor to his inability to stay in power. Education opportunities for women and girls are now enhanced. In recent years, they have been able to participate in society in a different way. They did not have to be at home, but they were able to work and participate in politics.

The new constitution, written in 2005, included quotas for women. That is why there are more than a quarter of women in the Afghan parliament – very few, even by international standards. Women have also been able to return to occupations they have traditionally occupied, as teachers or in health care. This has led to significant health effects such as increased life expectancy, and decreased infant and maternal mortality. It varies a lot depending on where you are in the country and between different ethnic groups, but they have made great progress, even if they are from low levels.

The section also revolves around the expected shape of the future of women in Afghanistan, peace talks in Qatar and the United States’ retreat from Afghanistan.

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