Now, following the capture of Kabul on August 15, the Taliban say they have changed and claim to advocate for an “inclusive” government. But his promises were contradicted on Wednesday by statements on the BBC by the deputy head of the Taliban’s political office in Qatar.
Asked about the future government, Due to be announced on Friday, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai said that “there may not be” women ministers or in positions of responsibility, and that they would only occupy positions in lower ranks.
An unacceptable prospect for the protesters in Herat. “We see the information, and no women are seen in the meetings organized by the Taliban,” says Mariam Ebram, one of the protesters.
The Taliban make fun of women
“There are talks to form a government, but (the Taliban) do not talk about the participation of women,” says another of the protest organizers, Basira Taheri.
“We want the Taliban to agree to speak with us,” he stresses.
“Not even in the city you see many women,” says Mariam Ebram. “Female doctors or nurses who have dared to return to work complain that the Taliban are making fun of them.”
For former Minister Nehan Nargis, a refugee in Norway, the Afghanistan of 2021 has nothing to do with that of 2001, when the Taliban were ousted from power by a coalition led by the United States.
“People are more aware, they now have different aspirations for Afghanistan,” he told the BBC on Wednesday night, highlighting the importance of social media, a “very powerful instrument” of mobilization.
In Herat, protesters promise to continue their fight until their demands are heard. “We will continue our demonstrations,” says Basira Taheri. “They started in Herat, they will soon spread to other provinces.”