Afghanistan

A new memoir by the exiled Afghan journalist Zahra Joya traces the trajectory of her homeland — and shows how quickly women's rights can be snatched away.

On the day the Taliban returned, I went to the salon. Before long, the old me had vanished.

Afghan women have been speaking out against the Taliban for years. After dozens were brutally detained, men in one city finally joined them.

The Taliban’s criminal code, introduced at the start of this year, marks a new low for women.

Afghan women gave testimony about the human rights abuses they have experienced. To Afghan women and girls who feel forgotten, that in itself is a message of hope.

Taliban restrictions have made women medics a rarity, putting women’s health, care and survival at serious risk.

In Afghanistan, women's blocked opportunities to have a career, contribute to society and earn a living are creating a mental health crisis.

It is dangerous to protest in Afghanistan. But it is also dangerous to be a woman. That’s what keeps Afghan women speaking out in whatever ways they can.