KABUL (Khaama Press): Women and girls in Afghanistan describe their lives under the rule of the Taliban administration as ‘a gradual death.’ According to human rights defenders, the current situation in Afghanistan is not desirable for any human being, and they ask the Taliban to modify its policies towards women. Still, after more than two years, no change has occurred in the Taliban’s approach to women’s freedoms.
The group has openly refused to accept women’s freedoms and has increased its restrictions against them. The growing restrictions have led to an increase in suicides among women and girls, nearly doubled their mental and psychological problems, and severely limited their access to open environments and medical centres.
CNN recently reported the story of a 15-year-old girl who attempted suicide because she was deprived of schooling and is now undergoing treatment in Pakistan.
The report in this media outlet states, ‘Arezzo, who was oppressed by the Taliban, swallowed acid. Now, her brother and sister are trying to save her life.’
15-year-old Arezzo, after being deprived of schooling, attempted suicide. Her brother and sister took her to Pakistan for treatment; her older brother and sister, Ahmad and Mahsa, are now caring for her in a rented room in Karachi. While kissing Arezzo’s hand, Ahmad whispers, ‘Don’t worry. You’ll get better. Don’t worry, we’re always with you. I hope you get well soon.’
The report in this media outlet states that when schools in their village were closed to girls above sixth grade, Arezzo’s parents sent their daughters to Kabul for language education. Still, soon, the educational centres were also closed to girls. There is no precise data showing the extent of suicide in Afghanistan, but human rights groups and doctors say that the rate of suicide among women and girls has increased under the rule of the Taliban regime.
Dr. Shakib Ahmadi works longer hours than usual six days a week, seeing patients at a mental health clinic in Herat province in western Afghanistan. He told CNN that ‘since the Taliban took over two years ago, the number of female patients in his clinic has increased by 40 to 50 percent. He said that about 10 percent of these patients kill themselves.’
He said that their lives are limited by the Taliban, and women and girls resort to cheap household items for suicide attempts. Rat poison, liquid chemicals, cleaning liquids, and agricultural fertilizers – anything they think will reduce their sorrow and grief.
The UN also wrote in its quarterly report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan that the mental health of Afghan women is very poor, to the extent that 76 per cent of them describe their mental health as ‘very bad’ or ‘bad.’
Increasing mental health issues among women due to restrictions in Afghanistan
