Afghan women have been robbed of healthcare, education and their voices. But they won’t remain silent

The international community must follow through on its commitments to protect Afghan women’s rights defenders, writes Susan Hutchinson

A Taliban fighter stands guard as women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Picture: AP 

Last month, the Taliban passed a new “vice and virtue” law, making it illegal for women to speak in public. Under the law, women can also be punished if they are heard singing or reading aloud from within their homes.

It was approved by the Taliban’s supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, and will be enforced by the Ministry for Promoting Virtue and Preventing Vice.