We speak to women who fled Afghanistan – as well as some who are still there. Our goal is to give Afghan women visibility at a time when the Taliban seeks to erase them from public life.
Afghan Women
The Israeli-American Journalist Who Led an Escape Mission
Danna Harman didn’t have any tools or resources, but she knew she had to do something to help the Afghan girls who reached out to her.
The Pop Star Whose Fan Helped Her Get Out
After Shakiba Teimori showed her long, flowing hair on television, it was as if she were exiled. And then she fled for real.
The Teacher Who Chose to Stay Behind
When Munireh’s father first received news of the Taliban takeover, he sent all the women in the family to Iran – but she refused to leave Afghanistan.
The Aspiring Journalist Following in the Footsteps of Her Father
Marwa Dashty’s father, a well-known journalist, was killed after the Taliban took over. Now, the 20-year-old wants to continue his legacy by becoming a journalist herself.
The College Student Getting a Fresh Start
Rodaba Noori is enjoying her new life at Bard College in upstate New York, but she still doesn’t consider it home.
The Mobile App Developer Secretly Working Online
Parima hides the fact that she works remotely, as many of her neighbors in Afghanistan don’t believe women should have jobs.
The Founder of Afghanistan’s First All-Girls Coding School
Fereshteh Forough opened Afghanistan’s first coding school for girls and women – but the Taliban’s ban on education prevents students from learning in-person.
The Judge Who Escaped: ‘We Lost All of Our Achievement’
Since the Taliban’s return to power, women judges – who once dared to sentence men for their crimes – have been forced into hiding. We spoke to one whose identity we are protecting.
A Timeline of Women in Afghanistan
Afghan women have fought for their rights since 1919, facing significant challenges, especially under the Taliban’s rule, which has severely restricted their freedoms and opportunities.