This week, news broke that the Taliban has taken over large parts of Afghanistan. President Ashraf Ghani has fled and the government has fallen.
After American and NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan in July after 20 years in the country, the Taliban closed in on the capital city of Kabul and hundreds of Afghans made a desperate attempt to flee.
Whilst some were safely evacuated, many, especially women and children, will have a completely different and terrifying life under the Taliban regime of 20 years ago.
Back then, girls as young as 12 were forced into marriage, women were not allowed to leave home without a male chaperone, work or pursue education and were required to be completely covered.
Although the Taliban leadership has not enforced new rules for Kabul residents and said earlier this year that they wanted a “genuine Islamic system” for Afghanistan that would make provisions for women’s and minority rights, The Guardian reported that fighters used the loudspeakers at one mosque in the west of the city to announce that women wear burqas or full hijab and their fighters have begun enforcement of a harsh code in other parts of the city.
Many women around Afghanistan are hiding in their homes and are already searching high and low for burqas in a bid to save their lives.
Footage has also emerged of shopkeepers painting over images of women in their shop windows and female journalists and activists are some of the most at risk.
“I’m sitting here waiting for them to come. There is no one to help me or my family. I’m just sitting with them and my husband. And they will come for people like me and kill me. I can’t leave my family. And anywhere, where would I go?” Zarifa Ghafari, the Mayor of Maidan Shar who’s one of the country’s first female mayors, wrote.
The news is distressing to say the least and for us in Australia, it can seem like we’re powerless to help.
However, there are things you can do. Keep scrolling to find out more.
1. Donate to one of these incredible organisations
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
There are many out there but a donation can provide those in need of shelter, education and health services.
2. Write to Scott Morrison or your local MP
Reaching out to the Australian government is another way you can show your support. Signing petitions is another alternative.
If you need a hand writing an eye-catching letter, check out these tips.
3. Educate yourself and others
Learning about what’s going on may seem basic, but sharing what you know and learning with others is the fastest way to spread the word.
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