Women’s Equality Day: Celebrating Hard-Won Gains, Confronting Enduring Injustice

How far have we come in dealing with gender-based oppression? Not far enough, but far enough not to relent. In fact, I am convinced that we must continue to fight for women’s rights.

The most recent decrees by the Taliban, restricting women’s rights in Afghanistan, are a testament to the troubling reality we still face. Oppressive ideologies are being used to silence women’s voices and deny them fundamental freedoms. As we observe Women’s Equality Day, it’s crucial to confront the uncomfortable truth that many women around the world are still fighting for their basic rights.

The Taliban’s actions, such as banning women from appearing on television and participating in public life, represent a severe regression in women’s rights. These measures are justified under a distorted interpretation of Islamic law, which many scholars argue misrepresents the faith’s core principles of justice and equality. The Taliban claims that their policies reflect Afghan culture, yet this narrative overlooks the significant progress women made in the two decades before their return to power.

During that time, Afghan women achieved remarkable milestones. They served as judges, journalists, and politicians, and nearly 40% of students enrolled in schools were girls. This progress illustrates that Afghan culture is not inherently opposed to women’s empowerment. Rather, the strides women made in education, leadership, and public life show a vibrant and evolving society—one that was abruptly halted by the Taliban’s resurgence. This raises the question: Was the Taliban’s return truly a win for the Afghans, or a tragic step backward?

Silence surrounding these issues only enables further oppression. Many individuals and organizations, fearing backlash, choose not to challenge these injustices. This silence allows oppressive regimes to operate unchecked, reinforcing the belief that dissent is dangerous and futile. As we reflect on the importance of Women’s Equality Day, we must actively work to dismantle the systems that uphold inequality. This involves advocating for women’s rights and creating spaces for dialogue and dissent. We should ask ourselves: Why do we accept interpretations of faith that harm rather than heal? What sacrifices are we willing to make to ensure all voices are heard?

Let this Women’s Equality Day serve as a rallying cry to challenge oppressive structures and amplify the voices of women everywhere. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more equitable society—one where women are not just passive recipients of rights but active participants in shaping their futures.