Dear Readers,

The situation in Afghanistan is dire, especially for women and girls. Since the Taliban took control in August 2021, they've been stripping away basic human rights. The right to education, which is critical for everyone, has been denied to Afghan females. This is not just a setback; it's a move that goes against the progress of our times.

Despite this, Afghan women are bravely standing up. They're protesting, demanding their rights, and facing scary consequences. Their signs are torn up, their gatherings broken up, and their lives threatened. Women who speak out often disappear into prisons, where they are treated terribly.

Organizations like Amnesty International have shared stories of women like Neda Parwani and Zholia Parsi. They were arrested for fighting for human rights, and although they've been released, others like Manizha Seddiqi are still locked up. These women are heroes. They are fighting not just for themselves, but for the freedom and rights of their entire country.

Their struggle is our struggle. When any woman's rights are ignored, we all feel the impact. When education is denied, when speaking up is dangerous, we all lose.

The women of Afghanistan are fighting with incredible courage. We at Women Rising Strong are with them, and we ask you to be with us in supporting them.

Raise your voice and amplify this message: share this story so we can make a real difference for Afghan women's freedom and education, and help prevent these injustices from happening again.

Together in solidarity,

S.A. Sterling

#StandWithAfghanWomen

Sources:

Stop the rollback on human rights in Afghanistan, Amnesty International.

Inferno Afghanistan: carcere, torture e sparizioni per le attiviste che sfidano i talebani, by Riccardo Noury, Corriere della Sera, La Ventisettesima Ora, La Rassegna, January 5, 2024.