Millie Hairsine Candidate Number: Centre number: 44165
2052
To what extent have the actions of the Taliban towards women in
Afghanistan from 1996 to the present day, constituted violent
misogyny, and how have these actions affected gender equality,
societal development, and international responses?
,Millie Hairsine Candidate Number: Centre number: 44165
2052
Contents Page
Contents page 2
Abstract 3
Introduction 3
Historical and ideological foundations 4
Segregation by gender 5
Amr Bil Ma’ruf 5
Education 6
The Hijab 7
Challenging the sole narrative 8
The Price of Tyranny 9
Summary statement – segregation by gender 10
Consequences far beyond Afghanistan 10
9/11: A Turning Point? 10
Influence of Western Cultures 12
Summary statement – Consequences for beyond Afghanistan 14
Conclusion 14
Evaluation 15
Bibliography 16
, Millie Hairsine Candidate Number: Centre number: 44165
2052
AAAAbstract
In this project, I will analyse the factors that have made the acts of the Taliban
towards Afghan women acts of violent misogyny, in doing this I will investigate the
Taliban’s initial rise to power in 1996 to their present-day rule and will consider how
their rule has been pronounced by severe restrictions and violence that can clearly
be characterised as acts of violent misogyny. I will examine evidence that highlights
shared experiences among Afghan women in the diaspora during Taliban rule,
including displacement, identity challenges, changes in social status, and
experiences of discrimination. By analysing these points, I will be able to make a fair
judgement on how Afghan women overcame and succumbed to the oppressive
measures placed upon their lives.
Introduction
As a result of studying English Literature and History the theme of female injustice
has always been something I have wished to explore further. The Taliban’s rule is
rooted upon a fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law, and the Taliban’s
approach has systematically targeted women’s freedoms – completely reducing
women to a second-class like citizen with the draconian gender roles which they
implement through fear and brutality. The Taliban’s actions clearly reflect a deep-
rooted hostility towards women’s autonomy whether it is through barring women from
education and employment, enforcing strict dress codes, or punishing them for minor
transgressions. This long-established oppression has been a matter of immense
academic, political, and humanitarian concern due to the inflicted physical,
psychological, and societal harm in Afghanistan with women enduring the most of
these violent misogynistic practices. Many of the Taliban policies have been
reintroduced since the Taliban regime resumed power in 2021, with urgent
questions arising about gender equality, societal development, and response by the
international community.
To find the answer to my question I will look of first-hand accounts written by women
who experienced life under the rule of the Taliban. Through these case studies I will
identify features in them which evaluate how far violent misogyny – through
oppressive, physical attacks rooted in a profound animosity towards the female sex –
are being perpetrated at the hands of the Taliban towards Afghan women.
My research will therefore examine policies and practices imposed by the Taliban
regimes for their impact on gender equality, examining changes in women's rights
and place in society during and between Taliban rule. I will further discuss how
these policies and practices have affected Afghanistan's overall socio-economic
development considering what this implies for development when half of a
population is excluded from education and employment.
I will also examine the ways in which such issues have been received and
2052
To what extent have the actions of the Taliban towards women in
Afghanistan from 1996 to the present day, constituted violent
misogyny, and how have these actions affected gender equality,
societal development, and international responses?
,Millie Hairsine Candidate Number: Centre number: 44165
2052
Contents Page
Contents page 2
Abstract 3
Introduction 3
Historical and ideological foundations 4
Segregation by gender 5
Amr Bil Ma’ruf 5
Education 6
The Hijab 7
Challenging the sole narrative 8
The Price of Tyranny 9
Summary statement – segregation by gender 10
Consequences far beyond Afghanistan 10
9/11: A Turning Point? 10
Influence of Western Cultures 12
Summary statement – Consequences for beyond Afghanistan 14
Conclusion 14
Evaluation 15
Bibliography 16
, Millie Hairsine Candidate Number: Centre number: 44165
2052
AAAAbstract
In this project, I will analyse the factors that have made the acts of the Taliban
towards Afghan women acts of violent misogyny, in doing this I will investigate the
Taliban’s initial rise to power in 1996 to their present-day rule and will consider how
their rule has been pronounced by severe restrictions and violence that can clearly
be characterised as acts of violent misogyny. I will examine evidence that highlights
shared experiences among Afghan women in the diaspora during Taliban rule,
including displacement, identity challenges, changes in social status, and
experiences of discrimination. By analysing these points, I will be able to make a fair
judgement on how Afghan women overcame and succumbed to the oppressive
measures placed upon their lives.
Introduction
As a result of studying English Literature and History the theme of female injustice
has always been something I have wished to explore further. The Taliban’s rule is
rooted upon a fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law, and the Taliban’s
approach has systematically targeted women’s freedoms – completely reducing
women to a second-class like citizen with the draconian gender roles which they
implement through fear and brutality. The Taliban’s actions clearly reflect a deep-
rooted hostility towards women’s autonomy whether it is through barring women from
education and employment, enforcing strict dress codes, or punishing them for minor
transgressions. This long-established oppression has been a matter of immense
academic, political, and humanitarian concern due to the inflicted physical,
psychological, and societal harm in Afghanistan with women enduring the most of
these violent misogynistic practices. Many of the Taliban policies have been
reintroduced since the Taliban regime resumed power in 2021, with urgent
questions arising about gender equality, societal development, and response by the
international community.
To find the answer to my question I will look of first-hand accounts written by women
who experienced life under the rule of the Taliban. Through these case studies I will
identify features in them which evaluate how far violent misogyny – through
oppressive, physical attacks rooted in a profound animosity towards the female sex –
are being perpetrated at the hands of the Taliban towards Afghan women.
My research will therefore examine policies and practices imposed by the Taliban
regimes for their impact on gender equality, examining changes in women's rights
and place in society during and between Taliban rule. I will further discuss how
these policies and practices have affected Afghanistan's overall socio-economic
development considering what this implies for development when half of a
population is excluded from education and employment.
I will also examine the ways in which such issues have been received and
