Standing Up for Afghan Women: Time for the UK to Lead with Compassion and Conviction

Written by Nigina Istanakzai-Zarifi, Country Coordinator for Afghanistan

The recent and tragic developments in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has further tightened its grip on women’s lives, have left many of us horrified and deeply concerned. The introduction of draconian laws that force women to cover their faces, silence their voices, and strip away any remaining freedoms is a stark reminder of the dire situation Afghan women face daily. These women, who once glimpsed a future filled with education, rights, and opportunities, are now being erased from public life under the eyes of a seemingly indifferent world.

The UK’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked the end of a controversial chapter, but it should not signal the end of our responsibility to the Afghan people—especially its women. Despite the undeniable complexities of the Afghan campaign, one of its undeniable successes was the progress made in improving women’s education and rights. The current regime's actions have undone years of hard-won gains, and Afghan women are once again being suffocated under a blanket of oppression.

The question before us now is: What can we do? Can we stand by and watch as Afghan women are silenced and subjugated, or will we, as a nation, step up and take meaningful action?

The newly elected Labour government has both the opportunity and the moral obligation to lead by example. The UK government, under its current policy, does not recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan and has no formal diplomatic relations with the regime. However, pragmatic engagement continues through the UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha, where dialogue with Taliban officials takes place. While this approach acknowledges the grim reality of the situation, it also provides the UK with a unique opportunity to advocate for Afghan women, ensuring that their rights remain at the forefront of any discussions.

The UK’s commitment to human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, must be non-negotiable. This is not just about moral posturing; it’s about leveraging our influence to make a tangible difference. The UK government must use every tool at its disposal—from diplomatic channels to humanitarian aid—to support Afghan women who are now living in fear and uncertainty.

Our Call to the UK Government:

The UK must take decisive action to support Afghan women by:

• Consulting and listening to women-led organisations in Afghanistan
• Supporting Afghan activists who are protecting the rights of women and girls
• Ensuring that respecting women’s rights is non-negotiable with the Taliban
• Providing safe passage for Afghan women and girls seeking asylum