Former Afghan parliamentarian Fawzia Koofi has once again criticized the Taliban’s policies toward women, saying their restrictions have severely affected women’s rights and Afghanistan’s future.
Koofi, a former member of Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga, condemned what she described as continued decisions by the Taliban to suppress women and deprive them of their basic human rights. She argued that the restrictions are not only affecting women individually but are also having broader consequences for Afghan society.
According to Koofi, the Taliban have effectively held an entire generation hostage through policies that limit women and girls’ access to education, employment and participation in public life. She warned that continued restrictions could have serious consequences for Afghanistan’s social and economic development.
The former parliamentarian also said that the country’s future is being placed at risk as opportunities for a large part of the population remain restricted. Her comments come amid continued international concern over Taliban policies affecting women and girls in Afghanistan.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban authorities have introduced restrictions affecting women and girls across education, employment and public life. The policies have prompted repeated criticism from Afghan women’s rights activists and international organizations.
Koofi’s latest remarks add to calls for greater protection of women’s rights in Afghanistan and for policies that allow women and girls to participate fully in the country’s future.