The most extreme form of misogyny is now unfolding before our eyes. We must not remain silent.
Under Taliban rule, Afghan women and girls have been completely erased from public life. They are barred from school, denied the right to work, forbidden from traveling alone, and subjected to floggings, arrests, and disappearances for the simple act of wanting to live freely. These restrictions are not only limiting— they have deadly consequences for Afghan women.
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The Taliban has banned Afghan girls from studying beyond elementary school. In this photo, Afghan girls break down in tears after being told their schools will remain closed — indefinitely. (Photo: Courtesy of BBC) |
What’s happening in Afghanistan isn’t just oppression—it’s gender apartheid. And we cannot be silent.
That’s why the Feminist Majority Foundation, which has a long history of advocating for the women of Afghanistan, is asking you to support our Campaign to Stop Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan. I’m personally asking you to be among the first to join. |
Our 2025 urgent initiative: A Petition to the United Nations, urging it to declare gender apartheid in Afghanistan a crime against humanity. And that the UN must never recognize the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. The Taliban must never be allowed to occupy Afghanistan’s seat at the UN. |
I urge you to sign the petition right now—and become part of our national campaign. We’ll keep you informed and suggest future actions you can take in support of the women and girls of Afghanistan. |
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The United Nations and the global legal community are finally beginning to consider a new convention on crimes against humanity—the first major expansion of international law in over 25 years. This means all of us have a critical window to ensure gender apartheid is named and outlawed globally, starting with Afghanistan. |
- The UN Special Rapporteur has confirmed that Taliban abuses meet the definition of gender apartheid.
- The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity based on gender persecution.
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Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia have taken Afghanistan to the International Court of Justice for violations of the women’s rights treaty CEDAW [the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women].
- The UN’s Sixth Legal Committee is drafting a new global convention on crimes against humanity.
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But we could lose this momentum unless we act—boldly and urgently. |
- Formally recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity in international law and include it in the new Crimes Against Humanity Convention.
- Increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, with priority given to women and girls as both distributors and recipients of aid.
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Refuse recognition and prevent the Taliban from occupying Afghanistan's UN seat, as this would confer legitimacy on a regime engaged in crimes against humanity
- Ensure Afghan women are meaningfully included in all international discussions on Afghanistan's future—political, economic, social, and humanitarian.
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This Fight Goes Beyond Borders |
Authoritarian regimes are rising—and with them, an epidemic of misogyny. In 49 nations, women’s rights are under sustained assault. The Taliban’s war on women is the worst—and the most visible—but it is not the only one.
What you and I –together-- do now sets a precedent for the world. I cannot and will not be silent. And neither will the millions of people who are standing up against gender apartheid. Let’s show Afghan women they are not alone—that the world will not look away.
Please sign the petition and become part of our national campaign. Please send this message to your friends and family as well. Together, we will not let the world forget. With urgency and solidarity, |
Ellie Smeal
President
Feminist Majority Foundation |
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