On Point | Podcast
Banned from speaking in public, Afghan women tell us their stories
Mar 29, 2025
Sahar Fetrat, a women's rights researcher for Human Rights Watch, sheds light on the terrifying situation faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule. She shares personal stories of scholarship students grappling with the threat of returning to oppression. The discussion reveals the severe restrictions limiting their freedoms and the emotional toll of lost opportunities. Fetrat emphasizes the resilience of these women and their brave use of social media to voice their struggles, calling for international advocacy to support Afghan women's rights.
49:18
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Quick takeaways
- The termination of scholarships for Afghan women studying abroad jeopardizes their education and freedom, exposing them to Taliban oppression.
- Despite severe restrictions, Afghan women persist in seeking education as a form of resistance against the systemic misogyny they face.
Deep dives
Impact of Political Decisions on Afghan Women
The cuts to federal programs, particularly the termination of scholarships for Afghan women studying abroad, have forced many back to Afghanistan under Taliban rule. These women face the prospect of losing their education and freedom, as the Taliban has instituted severe restrictions limiting women's rights. The U.S. government's change in funding has left 80 Afghan scholarship recipients vulnerable, as their educational futures are now uncertain and dangerous. The potential return to a society where women are banned from education illustrates the profound ramifications of political decisions on individual lives, highlighting a humanitarian crisis.
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