Category: Asia, News

Afghan Women Rights Under Attack: Meryl Streep Condemns Taliban

Cats Have More Freedom than Afghan Women – Meryl Streep

In a powerful speech at the UN General Assembly, actress Meryl Streep called attention to the extreme restrictions placed on Afghan women by the Taliban. She compared their lack of rights to the freedom enjoyed by animals in the same country. Streep’s comments come in response to the Taliban’s continued oppression of women, adding to the global outcry over the deteriorating conditions for women in Afghanistan.

Women’s Rights Severely Restricted

Since regaining control of Afghanistan three years ago, the Taliban has imposed a series of harsh restrictions on women. The most recent measures, introduced last month under new “morality laws,” state that women can no longer speak publicly or make eye contact with men outside their families. These rules only intensify the pre-existing limitations that Afghan women and girls face.

Girls over the age of 12 have been banned from attending schools, parks, gyms, and other public spaces. Women are also forced to cover their entire bodies and faces when leaving their homes. Jobs for women have become scarce, as there are strict controls on what kind of work they are allowed to pursue.

Meryl Streep’s Powerful Appeal

During the event at the UN headquarters in New York, Streep highlighted the stark difference in freedom between women and animals in Afghanistan. “A female cat in Kabul today can sit outside, feel the sun on her face, or chase a squirrel in the park,” Streep said. “Meanwhile, a girl cannot walk freely, let alone enjoy these simple pleasures.”

She continued, “A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl cannot even raise her voice in public. This suppression of women’s rights is a grave violation of natural law and basic human dignity.” Streep’s impassioned plea urged world leaders to intervene and prevent the further “slow suffocation” of Afghan women and girls.

Taliban Defends Their Policies

In response to Meryl Streep’s remarks, a Taliban spokesman said the government “highly respects” women in their roles as mothers, sisters, and wives. He claimed that women are essential to Afghan society, but added that they would never be compared to cats.

Despite these claims, international criticism continues to mount. The Taliban insists that their new laws are in line with Islamic Sharia law. However, these restrictions have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from Western countries like the United States and the European Union.

The Taliban has also promised to reform Afghanistan’s education system to align with Islamic values, pledging that girls will eventually be readmitted to schools. However, there has been little to no progress on this promise.

Global Concern Grows

At the same UN event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the importance of women’s education and employment for the future of Afghanistan. He stated, “Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage without the participation of educated women.”

As global awareness increases, there is hope that the voices of Afghan women will not be silenced. Meryl Streep’s emotional appeal underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect the rights and dignity of Afghan women and girls.