August 15: A Black Day for Afghanistan – Especially for Afghan Women By: Sameera Parto – Afghan News24

August 15: A Black Day for Afghanistan – Especially for Afghan Women
By: Sameera Parto – Afghan News24

Date: August 15, 2025

Kabul Afghan News24:
Today marks the fourth anniversary of August 15, a date forever etched in the memories of the Afghan people as a day of national grief. On this day in 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul, toppling the elected government and marking the collapse of two decades of social, political, and educational progress.

For many Afghans, August 15 symbolizes the loss of freedoms, opportunities, and hope. But for Afghan women, the impact has been even more devastating. Overnight, millions of women and girls were stripped of their most basic rights — education, employment, and participation in public life. Once vibrant classrooms, offices, and public spaces that welcomed women are now empty or restricted by harsh decrees.

“The pain of this day is not just in the past; it continues every day,” said one Kabul resident, a former teacher now confined to her home. “We are living in a silent prison.”

International organizations and human rights advocates have repeatedly called on the Taliban to respect women’s rights and allow girls back into schools, but the reality on the ground remains grim. Reports show that Afghanistan is now the only country in the world where girls are banned from secondary and higher education.

For Afghan women, August 15 is not only a reminder of a political shift but also the beginning of an era of isolation and oppression. Despite the restrictions, women across Afghanistan continue to resist in different ways — from secret classrooms to online campaigns — determined to keep their voices alive.

As the world marks this dark anniversary, Afghan women are calling for solidarity, support, and international pressure to restore their rights and dignity.

Afghan News24 will continue to stand with the people of Afghanistan and give voice to those who are silenced.