A young woman from Badakhshan, Afghanistan posted a video of herself singing outside in defiance of the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s voices in public. The 23-year-old, identified only by her last name, Efat, to protect herself from potential retaliation, expressed her determination not to be silenced. She emphasized that no one, be it a command, system, or individual, can silence Afghan women.
In response to the Taliban’s recent decree enforcing strict morality laws, including mandating women to cover their faces, bodies, and voices in public spaces, Efat and other Afghan women have taken to social media to protest. The initial laws issued by the Taliban to regulate moral conduct have faced widespread criticism for marginalizing women and empowering the Vice and Virtue Ministry enforcers, a notion the Taliban deny.
Efat’s video, shared on social media by her older sister, shows her singing outdoors clad in a red jacket, light blue scarf, and sunglasses. Despite the risks associated with such an act under the new laws, she chose to speak out through song as a symbol of resistance, defiance, and strength. Her song’s lyrics convey a message of resilience and empowerment, rejecting the notion of being a weak and submissive figure.
The young activist had previously protested against the mandatory burqa rule in the city and market and openly criticized the Taliban on her social media platforms, prompting warnings from local Taliban members directed at her family. Despite facing fear and threats, Efat stresses the importance of Afghan women standing together to fight for their voices and rights. Her actions highlight a broader movement of Afghan women courageously using their voices and platforms to resist oppressive measures imposed by the Taliban.