Women in Raqqa in solidarity with Afghan women

Women in Raqqa drew a parallel between ISIS and the Taliban, which has implemented misogynistic policies since its takeover of power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

The demonstration organized under the motto “Organize, resist, liberalize” was attended by several women, including Syrian Future Party Secretary General Sîham Dawûd, members of the Women’s Council of the party and representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

The group drew a parallel between ISIS and the Taliban, which has implemented misogynistic policies since its takeover of power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Afghan women are dismissed from public offices and face strict dress codes. They are forbidden to leave their cities alone. The Taliban also arrested numerous women activists who advocate women's rights. In late March, the Taliban ordered airlines in Afghanistan to reject women from boarding flights unless they are accompanied by a male family member. The Taliban also ordered the separation of men and women in public parks in Kabul and introduced visiting days for each gender.

The press statement on behalf of the group was made by Semîre El-Ezîz, who denounced the misogynistic policies implemented against women in Afghanistan, warning that the restrictions imposed on women would have an influence on the entire country.

Pointing to escalating repression against women, El-Eziz stated, “Based on our main principles and sacred objectives, we believe that all women around the world should stand in unity and solidarity, providing support to women’s cause wherever it is. For this very reason, it is our moral duty to embrace the cause of women in Afghanistan to make sure that their struggle and fight continue. What they are experiencing today was experienced by us during ISIS rule.”