Zakia Mohaqeq, the daughter of Mohammad Mohaqeq, one of Afghanistan’s political leaders, says that nearly five years into Taliban rule, the situation of women’s rights in Afghanistan has continued to deteriorate. She called on Muslim countries to move beyond silence and provide practical solutions and concrete measures to support Afghan women.
In an interview with Afghanistan International, Mohaqeq said that Islamic countries have so far failed to take effective action to change the situation, and that the Taliban has shown no willingness to reverse its policies toward women. Her remarks came as the Women’s Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was being held in Islamabad.
Mohaqeq emphasized that the Taliban’s policies toward women, minorities, ethnic groups, and religious communities have no connection to the teachings of Islam, arguing that the group is exploiting the name of Islam for its own purposes. She also stressed the need for the establishment of a democratic government in Afghanistan.
Referring to the deprivation of Afghan women from their fundamental rights over the past nearly five years, Mohaqeq said that women have been the greatest victims of the current situation in Afghanistan. She added that the consequences of these restrictions have caused deep harm to society, and that repairing the damage in the coming years will not be easy.
The daughter of the leader of the Hezb-e Wahdat-e Islami Mardom-e Afghanistan party further stated that, under the current circumstances, there is no effective mechanism to protect the dignity and rights of women in Afghanistan. She warned that the continuation of this situation could expose society to even broader and more profound consequences.
Mohaqeq also referred to the OIC women’s conference, saying that Afghan women should be included in such forums so they can directly share their perspectives and demands with Muslim countries and ensure that the voices of Afghan women and girls are heard by the international community.
Concluding her remarks, Mohaqeq said that no country has so far taken the lead in implementing practical measures regarding Afghanistan’s situation. She called for the formation of a broader consensus among Muslim countries, Western nations, and other governments that support human rights to provide greater assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which consists of 57 Muslim-majority countries, stated at its latest meeting that the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education and employment are inconsistent with Islamic values. The organization warned that the continuation of such policies could damage the global image of Islam.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
