Kabul: An 18-year-old Afghan student endured Taliban taunts and insults at weekend as she staged solo protest against ban on women attending university. “For first time in my life, I felt so proud, strong and powerful because I was standing against them and demanding right that God has given us,” Marwa told AFP, asking not to be further identified.

Women-led protests have become increasingly rare in Afghanistan since Taliban’s return particularly after detention of core activists at start of year. Participants risk arrest, violence and social stigma. But Marwa was adamant. Her sister shot video of silent protest with phone from car as Marwa held up poster just metres from entrance to Kabul University campus, country’s biggest and most prestigious institution. In their latest assault on women’s rights, Taliban last week banned university education for women, prompting international outrage.

Some women have tried to protest ban, but they have been swiftly dispersed. In front of Taliban guards deployed at Kabul University gates, Marwa courageously carried placard that read “Iqra”, Arabic word for “read”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 28 2022

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