Herat’s Protest and the Future of Activism in Afghanistan

By Sarina Tareen

Public demonstrations have become rare on the streets of Herat. In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power. Ever since, fear has been one of the most impactful tools of governance. Yet to keep the spirit of freedom alive, dozens of Afghans are currently protesting.

A wave of arrests in Herat triggered the protest. At least 30 women were detained in Herat between 6 and 7 June by officials from the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (PVPV). According to reports, many were accused of wearing “improper hijab.” The wearing of a hijab is one of many rules brought in by the Taliban, who made it mandatory in May 2022. Despite claims from local activists that the women were dressed modestly, some of these women were detained for days. Families found it difficult to get information on their location. Among those captured was reportedly a health worker for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF; Doctors Without Borders).

The public response to these arrests was striking. Around 70 people, including men, gathered in Herat’s Jebrail area. They chanted slogans such as “Education, Work, and Freedom” in a country where there are no chances of organizing a protest without official permission. It is becoming rare for such public protests to occur since Taliban security forces respond quickly and harshly. Witnesses said that “police first used warning shots and then opened fire on demonstrators”. UN confirmed that one 11-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured, while UNAMA condemned the arbitrary arrest of women and excessive force used to disperse protesters.

Herat’s protest was not just about the dress code. It shows public anger over the systematic attacks against civil liberties. This erosion has occurred over the last 5 years. Since returning to power, the Taliban have issued dozens of decrees impacting women’s rights to live. Women have been excluded from employment and secondary education. Limitations have been imposed on movement, expression, and participation in the public sphere. These policies are increasingly denounced as “gender apartheid” by international advocacy groups. The UN reported a 40% increase in the risk of violence against women. Currently, an estimated 14.2 million Afghan women and girls require protection and humanitarian assistance. Despite this, Afghanistan continues to be bound by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) as a signatory. CEDAW commits states to the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and to equality, dignity and freedom from harmful gender-based practices.

Before 2021, the democracy in Afghanistan was flawed, but still allowed civic participation. Afghan women were seen as lawmakers, ministers, judges, journalists, teachers, and activists. They were active in society in spite of the changing politics. The events in Herat demonstrate that activism in Afghanistan is not dead, but evolving in nature. Protest is no longer common because of fear, arrest, and violence. However, resentment still exists beneath the surface. The protest in Herat shows that resistance is still alive and active, but in a more limited and cautious form.