Advocates of women’s rights have a new unlikely supporter, as a faction of Taliban militants is working to offer their support for women. This particular Taliban faction, which has not been identified, will now encourage women to work and get an education. It is unknown if these new principles will cause conflict within the terrorist organization as a whole.
Traditionally, the Taliban has an awful track record when it comes to supporting women. Muslim groups have historically oppressed women, requiring them to be subservient to their husbands. In the past, the Taliban has banned women from going to work, getting an education and even leaving their household without a male chaperone.
However, as women are gaining more rights and respect across the globe, even the Taliban is taking notice.
One of the top leaders of this particular Taliban faction Abdul Manan Niazi said, “We have realized this now, that under an Islamic system all rights of human beings, both men and women, need to be implemented 100%,”
Additionally, Niazi also said that the group was willing to initiate peace talks with leaders of the Afghan government. However, he mandated that the United States and other foreign troops first exit the country.
“We announce to all Afghans that it is enough and to put aside Afghan fratricide. Let us find out who the source of the war in Afghanistan is, and where it comes from and how to prevent it,” he said.
Still, don’t expect the Taliban to suddenly respect women overnight. Just last week, a woman in Afghanistan was stoned to death for allegedly committing adultery in a village controlled by the Taliban. Video footage of the incident has since been posted on the internet. Needless to say, the group still has a long road ahead before it can say that it treats women fairly.
Ever since the former supreme Taliban leader Mohammad Omar died two years ago, there has been a large amount of divide within the Taliban. Akhtar Mohammad Mansour has since become the new supreme leader, but some Taliban members have opted to join the Islamic State instead. Other former Taliban members have simply quit the organization, deciding to take a more peaceful approach.
The new pro-woman group of Taliban reportedly emerged last week in the western Afghan province of Farah. They are being led by former governor Mohammad Rasool.
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