Actress Meryl Streep (File Photo: UPI/John Angelillo)
The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 marked a devastating setback for women’s rights in the country. The militant group’s strict interpretation of Islamic law has led to the implementation of severe restrictions on women and girls, effectively erasing the gains made in recent decades.
One of the most devastating of these is the Taliban’s decision to ban women from attending universities, effectively shutting down educational opportunities for half the population. Girls above the sixth grade have also been barred from schools, further curtailing their access to learning and future prospects.
The Taliban’s actions go beyond education. Women have been banned from entering public parks and gardens, spaces where they once gathered for leisure and socializing. This restriction isolates women from public life and reinforces the Taliban’s strict vision of a society where women are largely invisible. These policies are part of a broader effort to erase women from the public sphere, ensuring that they are confined to their homes and stripped of any semblance of independence.
Even more symbolically, the Taliban have prohibited women and girls from singing in public, a move that stifles their freedom of expression. This has drawn widespread criticism from human rights advocates, including American actress Meryl Streep, who has been vocal in condemning the Taliban’s treatment of women. Speaking at a discussion on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Streep poignantly remarked, “A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today because the public parks have been closed to women and girls by the Taliban. A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not and a woman may not in public.”
The impact of these draconian measures goes beyond just the immediate restrictions on movement and opportunities. The psychological toll on Afghan women and girls is immense. Living under constant fear of violence, harassment, and further restrictions has created an atmosphere of dread and hopelessness. Many women who had dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, artists, or leaders now find themselves trapped in a reality where such aspirations seem unattainable.
Additionally, the absence of legal and social protections leaves women vulnerable to domestic violence and forced marriages, with little to no recourse for justice. The Taliban have also dismantled the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, replacing it with the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which enforces the strict interpretation of Sharia law, further eroding any institutional support for women’s rights.
The Global Response and Meryl Streep’s Advocacy
The international community has responded with growing concern to the Taliban’s actions, yet efforts to reverse these policies have yielded few tangible results. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and negotiations have so far failed to alter the Taliban’s stance on women’s rights. However, one of the most critical factors in keeping the issue in the spotlight has been the advocacy of prominent global figures, including Hollywood icon Meryl Streep.
Meryl Streep, known for her illustrious career in the film industry, is not just an acting legend; she is also a dedicated advocate for human rights. Her voice carries weight in global discussions on injustice, and her statements on the plight of Afghan women have garnered widespread attention. During the discussion at the UN General Assembly, Streep highlighted the absurdity and cruelty of the Taliban’s policies, emphasizing the dire situation Afghan women face under the regime.
Streep’s comparison of Afghan girls to squirrels and birds underscores the dehumanization that Afghan women experience daily. By using this stark imagery, she draws attention to the fact that even the most basic freedoms, like the ability to enjoy nature or express oneself through song, have been stripped from Afghan women. Her impassioned words have resonated with many, galvanizing support for Afghan women’s rights and raising awareness about the dire need for change.
Streep’s advocacy for Afghan women is part of a broader commitment to human rights that has been a hallmark of her public life. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to speak out on issues ranging from gender equality to LGBTQ+ rights and environmental justice. Her involvement in humanitarian causes has earned her admiration not only for her exceptional acting skills but also for her unwavering dedication to social justice.
With a career spanning over four decades, Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of her generation. She has won three Academy Awards and has been nominated a record 21 times, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility. Her activism extends beyond her profession, as she has been involved in various charitable organizations and campaigns aimed at improving the lives of marginalized people worldwide.
In addition to her work on women’s rights, Streep has been a vocal supporter of initiatives that combat climate change, poverty, and discrimination. Her dedication to these causes has earned her recognition from numerous human rights organizations, including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, which she received in 2014.
While figures like Meryl Streep play a crucial role in keeping the plight of Afghan women in the public eye, real change will require coordinated global action. The international community must continue to pressure the Taliban to reverse their discriminatory policies and uphold the rights of all Afghan citizens, regardless of gender. Diplomatic efforts must be paired with tangible support for Afghan women, including financial aid, educational opportunities, and asylum options for those who wish to leave the country.
Moreover, regional powers must be encouraged to take a firm stand on the issue. Afghanistan’s neighbors, as well as Muslim-majority countries, have a critical role to play in condemning the Taliban’s actions and advocating for a more inclusive vision of Islamic governance that respects women’s rights.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
