In a rare show of defiance, around 60 Afghan women took to the streets demanding the right to work from the new rulers of Afghanistan.

Afghan women protests against Taliban over right to work

The 25-year-old Fanoos Basir was a former player in Afghanistan women's soccer team. But, now, she is in France after fleeing from her homeland. She says that she saw no future for herself under the rule of the Taliban. WION brings you a report.

Former women soccer player Fanoos Basir escaped Afghanistan after Taliban took over

She burst onto mainstream Bollywood with Salman Khan's production 'Loveyatri' (2018) but Warina Hussain has, all along, lived under the shadows of Taliban's atrocity. "People in India say I come from the land of bombs," she had said in one of her earlier interviews. After Kabul fell in the hands of Taliban, Warina was too distraught to talk. "A family member and her husband managed to get on the evacuation plane to the US, but their toddler is still in Afghanistan. I am crying for hours, and so is my mother... These are not the stories you watch on TV; this is my family," Warina shares with WION from London, where she is currently shooting for a film.

 
In this exclusive interview with WION, the model-turned-actress, who has been living and working in Mumbai for a while now, says she will return to Afghanistan 'only and only' when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/afghani-women-call-for-help-as-taliban-takes-over-the-country-406946">Taliban starts respecting women</a>, shares her hopes for the nation that has always been judged based on the wrongdoings of the terrorist outfit and why she sympathizes with women who have picked up arms back home.

 
Excerpts from the conversation:

 
WION: With everything that’s been happening in your home country, how are your loved ones holding up? What preventative measures have they taken to ensure safety?&nbsp;

 
WARINA HUSSAIN: Young girls (in my family) are currently in hiding--and some are in safe houses--fearing that they will be forced to marry Taliban fighters. It hit me even harder last week, when we celebrated Raksha Bandhan, when a male swears to protect a female family member, and it made me think about all of our girls who are in danger.

<img alt="Warina Hussain's immediate family has migrated to the US, while her extended family members and friends have stayed behind" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ceef42e0-45ad-45ac-a8b6-e814002360a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20-%202021-09-01T111953.749.jpg" /> 
WION: You were shooting in London when the government collapsed, and heartbreakingly horrific visuals started surfacing from Afghanistan. How did you deal with the shock of it, and what was your initial reaction like?&nbsp;

 
WARINA HUSSAIN: This humanitarian disaster, which involves loved ones, was heartbreaking. As I decided to speak up for the people, I had several emotional breakdowns and found it difficult to concentrate on work, but as they say, the show must go on, and I haven't given up on our country.

 
WION: In an earlier interview you had said, and I quote, “People in India say I come from the land of bombs.” Do you think the latest events in Afghanistan will make the world kinder towards you, and all of Afghanistan?&nbsp;

 
WARINA HUSSAIN: People all over the world have a preconceived notion about Afghanistan. Unfortunately, its peace and progress have always been hampered by twisted ideologies, and it is not fair to identify its people only with the country's situation. They have always had a rich culture with hardworking people, as seen by the last 20 years of progress.

<img alt="Warina Hussain with Afghanistan's first woman Consul General to Mumbai, Zakia Wardak, at an event a few years back" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2694424-9786-4a6a-a41a-f101cc369355" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20-%202021-09-01T112121.789.jpg" /> 
WION: What, in your opinion, is the way forward for your country?&nbsp;

 
WARINA HUSSAIN: Peace is the way forward! A government made up of both men and women, as well as a leader who is true to his land.&nbsp;

 
WION: Based on several reports that have been coming out of Afghanistan—on treatment of women in the hands of Taliban—I think it is safe to say that women will be stripped off all their basic human rights. Your thoughts on the uncertainty that lies ahead for women and young girls out there?&nbsp;

 
WARINA HUSSAIN: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-watch--wion-exclusive-afghan-pop-star-aryana-sayeed-im-grateful-to-be-alive-i-was-talibans-target-408549">Violence against women should not be tolerated</a> again. Women are now educated, and they will fight for it this time. I don't blame the women who have taken up arms; it's far too early to give up hope.

 
WION: Under what circumstances will you go back home, if at all?&nbsp;

 
WARINA HUSSAIN: Only and only if respect for women is restored!&nbsp;

<img alt="In happier times: Warina with her father" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ebe521aa-3110-4981-9896-2738bb0b4a05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20-%202021-09-01T112041.228.jpg" /> 
WION: Recently, ‘bring peace back in Afghanistan’ has been that one topic everyone’s talking about. What is your idea of a peaceful Afghanistan?&nbsp;

 
WARINA HUSSAIN: I wish to see the citizens have equal rights and freedom of choice, with no fear of being slaughtered every day. So that once again it’s doors of tourism would be open for the rest of the world to see Afghanistan's beauty.

<img alt="Warina dressed in a traditional attire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="688e944e-84be-4667-b890-63f749ed23d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20-%202021-09-01T112156.358.jpg" />

She burst onto mainstream Bollywood with Salman Khan's production 'Loveyatri' (2018) but Warina Hussain has, all along, lived under the shadows of Taliban's atrocity.

She burst onto mainstream Bollywood with Salman Khan's production 'Loveyatri' (2018) but Warina Hussain has, all along, lived under the shadows of Taliban's atrocity. "People in India say I come from the land of bombs," she had said in one of her earlier interviews. After Kabul fell in the hands of Taliban, Warina was too distraught to talk. "A family member and her husband managed to get on the evacuation plane to the US, but their toddler is still in Afghanistan. I am crying for hours, and so is my mother... These are not the stories you watch on TV; this is my family," Warina shares with WION from London, where she is currently shooting for a film. In this exclusive interview with WION, the model-turned-actress, who has been living and working in Mumbai for a while now, says she will return to Afghanistan 'only and only' when Taliban starts respecting women, shares her hopes for the nation that has always been judged based on the wrongdoings of the terrorist outfit and why she sympathizes with women who have picked up arms back home. Excerpts from the conversation: WION: With everything that’s been happening in your home country, how are your loved ones holding up? What preventative measures have they taken to ensure safety? WARINA HUSSAIN: Young girls (in my family) are currently in hiding--and some are in safe houses--fearing that they will be forced to marry Taliban fighters. It hit me even harder last week, when we celebrated Raksha Bandhan, when a male swears to protect a female family member, and it made me think about all of our girls who are in danger. WION: You were shooting in London when the government collapsed, and heartbreakingly horrific visuals started surfacing from Afghanistan. How did you deal with the shock of it, and what was your initial reaction like? WARINA HUSSAIN: This humanitarian disaster, which involves loved ones, was heartbreaking. As I decided to speak up for the people, I had several emotional breakdowns and found it difficult to concentrate on work, but as they say, the show must go on, and I haven't given up on our country. WION: In an earlier interview you had said, and I quote, “People in India say I come from the land of bombs.” Do you think the latest events in Afghanistan will make the world kinder towards you, and all of Afghanistan? WARINA HUSSAIN: People all over the world have a preconceived notion about Afghanistan. Unfortunately, its peace and progress have always been hampered by twisted ideologies, and it is not fair to identify its people only with the country's situation. They have always had a rich culture with hardworking people, as seen by the last 20 years of progress. WION: What, in your opinion, is the way forward for your country? WARINA HUSSAIN: Peace is the way forward! A government made up of both men and women, as well as a leader who is true to his land. WION: Based on several reports that have been coming out of Afghanistan—on treatment of women in the hands of Taliban—I think it is safe to say that women will be stripped off all their basic human rights. Your thoughts on the uncertainty that lies ahead for women and young girls out there? WARINA HUSSAIN: Violence against women should not be tolerated again. Women are now educated, and they will fight for it this time. I don't blame the women who have taken up arms; it's far too early to give up hope. WION: Under what circumstances will you go back home, if at all? WARINA HUSSAIN: Only and only if respect for women is restored! WION: Recently, ‘bring peace back in Afghanistan’ has been that one topic everyone’s talking about. What is your idea of a peaceful Afghanistan? WARINA HUSSAIN: I wish to see the citizens have equal rights and freedom of choice, with no fear of being slaughtered every day. So that once again it’s doors of tourism would be open for the rest of the world to see Afghanistan's beauty.

WION exclusive | Afghan actor Warina Hussain: I don't blame women who have taken up arms in Afghanistan

The Taliban are reportedly killing women for 'cooking bad food' and not wearing a burqa. Reports say Afghan women are being sold as sex slaves. Palki Sharma says we must all do our part to #SaveAfghanWomen.

Gravitas campaigns to #SaveAfghanWomen

Five members of an all-girl Afghan robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday evening, fleeing an uncertain future at home after the recent collapse of the U.S.-backed government and takeover by the Taliban militant group.

"We give you the warmest welcome to Mexico," said Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Martha Delgado as she greeted them during a news conference at Mexico City's international airport.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last week as the United States and its allies withdrew troops from the country. The White House and U.S. allies are racing to complete the evacuation of all foreigners and vulnerable Afghans before the expiry of an August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban, U.S. President Joe Biden said this week.&nbsp;

The team, made up of girls and women as young as 14, has been heralded for winning international awards for its robots and started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation.

The Taliban, which previously barred girls from schools and women from working when they ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, has promised to prioritize women's rights and girls' education.

Mexico has pledged to aid Afghan women and girls. Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter on Aug. 18 that the country had begun "processing of the first refugee applications of Afghan citizens, especially women and girls who have requested it," with the aid of Guillermo Puente Ordorica, Ambassador of Mexico in Iran.

Tuesday's safe arrival in Mexico was made possible by an "extensive international effort and coordination from a group of volunteers" who helped the girls, according to a volunteer who requested anonymity for fear of the safety of the families that remain under Taliban control.

The foreign ministry invited press to the arrival gates at Mexico City's airport at 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday, saying a "large group of people from Afghanistan is expected to arrive" and Ebrard will offer a message.

Other members of the robotics team landed in Qatar in recent days.

Five members of an all-girl Afghan robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday evening, fleeing an uncertain future at home after the recent collapse of the U.S.-backed government and takeover by the Taliban militant group.

Five members of an all-girl Afghan robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday evening, fleeing an uncertain future at home after the recent collapse of the U.S.-backed government and takeover by the Taliban militant group. "We give you the warmest welcome to Mexico," said Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Martha Delgado as she greeted them during a news conference at Mexico City's international airport. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last week as the United States and its allies withdrew troops from the country. The White House and U.S. allies are racing to complete the evacuation of all foreigners and vulnerable Afghans before the expiry of an August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban, U.S. President Joe Biden said this week. The team, made up of girls and women as young as 14, has been heralded for winning international awards for its robots and started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation. The Taliban, which previously barred girls from schools and women from working when they ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, has promised to prioritize women's rights and girls' education. Mexico has pledged to aid Afghan women and girls. Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter on Aug. 18 that the country had begun "processing of the first refugee applications of Afghan citizens, especially women and girls who have requested it," with the aid of Guillermo Puente Ordorica, Ambassador of Mexico in Iran. Tuesday's safe arrival in Mexico was made possible by an "extensive international effort and coordination from a group of volunteers" who helped the girls, according to a volunteer who requested anonymity for fear of the safety of the families that remain under Taliban control. The foreign ministry invited press to the arrival gates at Mexico City's airport at 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday, saying a "large group of people from Afghanistan is expected to arrive" and Ebrard will offer a message. Other members of the robotics team landed in Qatar in recent days.

Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico

As the Taliban takes charge of Afghanistan, women fear losing everything that they have worked for in the last 20 years. WION brings you a report.

Fear and frustration run high among Afghan women as Taliban take charge

A mother gives birth mid-air, another runs out of food as she tries to flee Afghanistan. 14.2 Million Afghan women are trapped in the Taliban tyranny. Palki Sharma says the world must come together to #SaveAfghanWomen.

#SaveAfghanWomen: A Gravitas Campaign

Days after the Taliban vowed to respect women’s rights, images of women have been covered up or vandalised on storefronts around Kabul. The absence of women from public places has become a defining feature of the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Taliban's war against women: Images of women vandalised outside beauty salons in Kabul

Afghan women are on the frontlines, challenging the Taliban's repressive rule. From organising protests to arranging safe passage for their family, Afghan women have refused to relinquish their hard-earned rights. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Afghan women challenge Taliban's rule

For Afghan women, their worst nightmare seems to have come true with the return of the Taliban. Women, who were one of the worst victims of Taliban oppression, are scared all the more this time around.

Afghan women fear return to dark days

Afghan karate champion Meena Asadi pounds the heavy bag as part of her training routine, but she fears female athletes still in her homeland may have already lost their fight to compete now that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-nato-pledges-to-speed-evacuations-as-criticism-mounts-407020">Taliban</a> are back in power.

Meena left Afghanistan when she was 12 and went to Pakistan, where she started karate training and later represented Afghanistan in the 2010 South Asian Games.

She returned to Kabul the next year and opened a fight club, but was forced to flee a second time due to violence and ended up in Indonesia with her husband and then 1-year-old daughter.

"I feel miserable. I lost my hope and the people of my country lost their hope, too," Meena told Reuters in a studio in Cisarua, a town south of Jakarta where she teaches karate to refugees who, like her, hope to resettle in a third country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-talibans-takeover-former-afghan-womens-football-captain-urges-players-to-burn-kits-406926">After Taliban's takeover, former Afghan women's football captain urges players to burn kits</a>

When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, their strict interpretation of Islamic law - sometimes brutally enforced - dictated that women could not work and girls could not go to school. Women had to cover their faces and be accompanied by a male relative to venture out of their homes.

With the Taliban back in Kabul, Meena is fearful of what that means for the progress made by her compatriots.

Watch: Afghan women lead anti-Taliban protests

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"All the achievement and values are destroyed, and this would be a dark moment for the people, especially for women and girls," said the 28-year-old, who is also a member of the Hazara minority.

This week, taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi had her dreams shattered of becoming Afghanistan's first female competitor at the Paralympic Games due to the turmoil in Kabul.

"Everything is finished for women athletes," said Meena, who was the sole female athlete representing Afghanistan at the 2012 South Asian Karate Championship, where she won two silver medals.

Taliban leaders have tried to reassure Afghans and the international community that girls and women would have the right to an education and to work, but Meena and others are sceptical.

"They are the extremist party, and they don't believe in human rights or rights of women," said Meena.

Already there have been reports that some women were ordered from their jobs as the Taliban advanced across Afghanistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They will never change ... they are the same Taliban."

The majority of Afghan refugees in Indonesia are Hazara, who have been targeted for decades by Sunni militants, including the Taliban and Islamic State, for their ethnicity and mostly Shi'ite religious beliefs.

Afghan karate champion Meena Asadi pounds the heavy bag as part of her training routine, but she fears female athletes still in her homeland may have already lost their fight to compete now that the Taliban are back in power.

Afghan karate champion Meena Asadi pounds the heavy bag as part of her training routine, but she fears female athletes still in her homeland may have already lost their fight to compete now that the Taliban are back in power. Meena left Afghanistan when she was 12 and went to Pakistan, where she started karate training and later represented Afghanistan in the 2010 South Asian Games. She returned to Kabul the next year and opened a fight club, but was forced to flee a second time due to violence and ended up in Indonesia with her husband and then 1-year-old daughter. "I feel miserable. I lost my hope and the people of my country lost their hope, too," Meena told Reuters in a studio in Cisarua, a town south of Jakarta where she teaches karate to refugees who, like her, hope to resettle in a third country. ALSO READ | After Taliban's takeover, former Afghan women's football captain urges players to burn kits When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, their strict interpretation of Islamic law - sometimes brutally enforced - dictated that women could not work and girls could not go to school. Women had to cover their faces and be accompanied by a male relative to venture out of their homes. With the Taliban back in Kabul, Meena is fearful of what that means for the progress made by her compatriots. Watch: Afghan women lead anti-Taliban protests × "All the achievement and values are destroyed, and this would be a dark moment for the people, especially for women and girls," said the 28-year-old, who is also a member of the Hazara minority. This week, taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi had her dreams shattered of becoming Afghanistan's first female competitor at the Paralympic Games due to the turmoil in Kabul. "Everything is finished for women athletes," said Meena, who was the sole female athlete representing Afghanistan at the 2012 South Asian Karate Championship, where she won two silver medals. Taliban leaders have tried to reassure Afghans and the international community that girls and women would have the right to an education and to work, but Meena and others are sceptical. "They are the extremist party, and they don't believe in human rights or rights of women," said Meena. Already there have been reports that some women were ordered from their jobs as the Taliban advanced across Afghanistan. "They will never change ... they are the same Taliban." The majority of Afghan refugees in Indonesia are Hazara, who have been targeted for decades by Sunni militants, including the Taliban and Islamic State, for their ethnicity and mostly Shi'ite religious beliefs.

'I feel miserable': Afghan karate champion fears it's game over for female athletes

From leading anti-Taliban protests to speaking out against regressive diktats, Afghan women have become the face of courage and resistance. Palki Sharma tells you how they are battling to protect their hard-earned gains.

Gravitas: Afghan women lead anti-Taliban protests

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters.&nbsp;

The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia.&nbsp;

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said “America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters.&nbsp;

“I write from the Panjshir Valley today, ready to follow in my father’s footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban," he said.&nbsp;

His father Ahmad Shah Massoud, known as the Lion of Panjshir, led the strongest resistance against the Taliban from his stronghold in the valley northeast of Kabul until his assassination in 2001.&nbsp;

Famed for its natural defences, the redoubt tucked into the Hindu Kush mountains never fell to the Taliban during the civil war of the 1990s, nor was it conquered by the Soviets a decade earlier, and is now Afghanistan’s last remaining holdout.&nbsp;

Hoping to follow in his “father’s footsteps", Massoud said he has been joined by former members of the country’s special forces and soldiers from the Afghan army “disgusted by the surrender of their commanders".&nbsp;

Social media images show Afghanistan’s defiant vice president Amrullah Saleh meeting with Massoud, and the duo appear to be assembling the first pieces of a guerrilla movement to take on the Taliban.&nbsp;

“But we need more weapons, more ammunition and more supplies," Massoud said.&nbsp;

‘Ground zero’

Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war.&nbsp;

Nearly 6,000 people — including US citizens and Afghans — have been evacuated by the US military, with the government urging the Taliban to allow safe passage for people to flee.&nbsp;

Massoud said the Taliban poses a threat beyond Afghanistan’s borders.&nbsp;

“Under Taliban control, Afghanistan will without doubt become ground zero of radical Islamist terrorism; plots against democracies will be hatched here once again."&nbsp; 
Massoud said his fighters are ready for the coming conflict, but need American assistance.&nbsp;

Since their takeover, the Taliban have been showing off the huge stash of weapons, equipment and munitions they have seized from Afghan forces — most of it supplied by the United States.&nbsp; 
Social media images showed Taliban fighters carrying M4 and M18 assault rifles, M24 sniper weapons, and driving around in the iconic US Humvees.&nbsp; 
The seizures have heightened criticism of President Joe Biden’s hasty withdrawal.&nbsp;

Massoud said that, after 20 years, the US and Afghanistan have shared “ideals and struggles" and he asked Washington to continue supporting the “cause of freedom" rather than abandon Afghans to the Taliban.&nbsp;

“You are our only remaining hope," he said.

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia.

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said "America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. The son of Afghanistan’s most famed anti-Taliban fighter says he has the forces to mount an effective resistance, but called on the United States to supply arms and ammunition to his militia. In an op-ed published Wednesday in The Washington Post, Ahmad Massoud said “America can still be a great arsenal of democracy" by supporting his fighters. “I write from the Panjshir Valley today, ready to follow in my father’s footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban," he said. His father Ahmad Shah Massoud, known as the Lion of Panjshir, led the strongest resistance against the Taliban from his stronghold in the valley northeast of Kabul until his assassination in 2001. Famed for its natural defences, the redoubt tucked into the Hindu Kush mountains never fell to the Taliban during the civil war of the 1990s, nor was it conquered by the Soviets a decade earlier, and is now Afghanistan’s last remaining holdout. Hoping to follow in his “father’s footsteps", Massoud said he has been joined by former members of the country’s special forces and soldiers from the Afghan army “disgusted by the surrender of their commanders". Social media images show Afghanistan’s defiant vice president Amrullah Saleh meeting with Massoud, and the duo appear to be assembling the first pieces of a guerrilla movement to take on the Taliban. “But we need more weapons, more ammunition and more supplies," Massoud said. ‘Ground zero’ Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war. Nearly 6,000 people — including US citizens and Afghans — have been evacuated by the US military, with the government urging the Taliban to allow safe passage for people to flee. Massoud said the Taliban poses a threat beyond Afghanistan’s borders. “Under Taliban control, Afghanistan will without doubt become ground zero of radical Islamist terrorism; plots against democracies will be hatched here once again." Massoud said his fighters are ready for the coming conflict, but need American assistance. Since their takeover, the Taliban have been showing off the huge stash of weapons, equipment and munitions they have seized from Afghan forces — most of it supplied by the United States. Social media images showed Taliban fighters carrying M4 and M18 assault rifles, M24 sniper weapons, and driving around in the iconic US Humvees. The seizures have heightened criticism of President Joe Biden’s hasty withdrawal. Massoud said that, after 20 years, the US and Afghanistan have shared “ideals and struggles" and he asked Washington to continue supporting the “cause of freedom" rather than abandon Afghans to the Taliban. “You are our only remaining hope," he said.

'Disgusted by surrender': Killed anti-Taliban fighter's son asks US for weapons

Afghani women call for help as Taliban takes over the country

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to&nbsp;disguise&nbsp;herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago. Her poignant story is re-emerging as a point of discussion as Afghanistan is back in the control of the militant group.

Her life, like many other Afghan women, has been marked by the consequences of a cruel civil war, hunger, and the Taliban regime.

Nadia, born in 1985, dressed like a man for 10 years just to go to work and support her family. She was&nbsp;able to leave Afghanistan thanks to an NGO 15 years ago for treatment for wounds caused by a bomb, but her family remains in the country.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/times-have-changed-pictures-of-afghan-women-before-taliban-rule-go-viral-406508" hreflang="en">'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral</a>

When she got settled in Catalonia as an Afghan refugee,&nbsp;Nadia wanted to explain her story, and she did so with the collaboration of the journalist Agnès Rotger in the novel&nbsp;“The secret of my turban.”

The book won the prestigious prize Prudenci Bertrana, 2010 and achieved national critical acclaim.

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Ens estan torturant. La meva família demana ajuda i se sent impotent, amb molta por i dolor pel nostre país i sobretot la nostra gent. No mireu cap a una altra banda!
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Ghulam has warned for years that the Taliban had never left Afghanistan, but rather the United States&nbsp;“sold the film" of peace&nbsp;that was a&nbsp;"lie."&nbsp;

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According to Ghulam, the attitude of the United States, the European Union and other international forces that have been in Afghanistan for years is "more than a&nbsp;betrayal" as she says they have armed the population, spurred governments marked by corruption, and are now leaving. “It's all out of control," she says.

Ghulam leads the Bridges for Peace association from Badalona, an organisation that helps 35 girls in Afghanistan go to school and read.&nbsp;

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to disguise herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago.

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to disguise herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago. Her poignant story is re-emerging as a point of discussion as Afghanistan is back in the control of the militant group. Her life, like many other Afghan women, has been marked by the consequences of a cruel civil war, hunger, and the Taliban regime. Nadia, born in 1985, dressed like a man for 10 years just to go to work and support her family. She was able to leave Afghanistan thanks to an NGO 15 years ago for treatment for wounds caused by a bomb, but her family remains in the country. Also see| 'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral When she got settled in Catalonia as an Afghan refugee, Nadia wanted to explain her story, and she did so with the collaboration of the journalist Agnès Rotger in the novel “The secret of my turban.” The book won the prestigious prize Prudenci Bertrana, 2010 and achieved national critical acclaim. Ens estan torturant. La meva família demana ajuda i se sent impotent, amb molta por i dolor pel nostre país i sobretot la nostra gent. No mireu cap a una altra banda! — Nadia ghulam (@nadiaghulam) August 15, 2021 × Ghulam has warned for years that the Taliban had never left Afghanistan, but rather the United States “sold the film" of peace that was a "lie." According to Ghulam, the attitude of the United States, the European Union and other international forces that have been in Afghanistan for years is "more than a betrayal" as she says they have armed the population, spurred governments marked by corruption, and are now leaving. “It's all out of control," she says. Ghulam leads the Bridges for Peace association from Badalona, an organisation that helps 35 girls in Afghanistan go to school and read.

Nadia Ghulam: The woman who disguised herself as a man for 10 years to survive 'torture' of Taliban

The women of Afghanistan fear the worst, a repeat of what they had to endure during the Taliban's previous rule. As the Taliban return to power - what does the future hold for Afghan women?

A WION special: Women in Taliban country

It has been three days since the Taliban controlled Kabul and seized control over the dreams of millions of Afghans, the women in Afghanistan fear the worst at this point. WION tells you what does future holds for Afghan women?

As the Taliban return to Kabul, what does future holds for Afghan women?

The women of Afghanistan are fearing the worst under the Taliban's rule. Girls are afraid they won't be able to go back to school. Female journalists & lawmakers are fearing for their lives. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Women of Afghanistan fear the worst under Taliban

'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral

The burqa was a symbol of the Taliban's oppressive regime from 1996 to 2001. As they capture power once again, Afghan women fear they will be relegated behind the burqa again. Shopkeepers say burqa sales have shot up since the Taliban takeover. Anas Mallick reports.

WION Ground Report: As Taliban capture Kabul, burqa shops are reopening in Afghanistan

In the last 20 years, Afghan women have built a career in the news media. The Taliban's return threatens their hard-earned professional success and fame. WION's Anas Mallick visited a major news station in Kabul and interacted with female journalists there.

WION Ground Report: Afghan female journalists remain worried about their own fate

What does the Taliban's return mean for the people of Afghanistan? For women, it spells the end of all liberties. Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: The return of the Islamic Emirate

What is Utopia? In other words, a highly perfect society? We have various definitions based on our own perspectives. Some would say it is about everyone having enough money to do whatever they want, others would drift towards having freedom of thought. But for those who have been robbed of their very basic social rights, it all boils down to whether they will be able to stay alive with dignity. Women in Afghanistan are battling with such dilemmas, now that Taliban have returned to power.

The group is known for its hardline stance against gender equality and women from all walks of life in Afghanistan are apprehensive that the progress of the last two decades will amount to nothing now that men with centuries-old thoughts are calling the shots.

The social media space is full of such sentiment. There is a touch of nostalgia to the fear. A longing for the days which appear to flit away.

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This is heart-breaking. Back in 2019, these beautiful Afghan women from Afghanistan's first and only female-only orchestra were full of hope. 
 
As the Taliban have invaded Afghanistan, women like them will be banned from singing. They'll be confined to their homes. <a href="https://t.co/OenYV0DcgE">pic.twitter.com/OenYV0DcgE</a>
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/1426999324014174209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

What have girls like these done to Taliban to make them keep 'under control'? They perhaps were not even born when the ruthless regime was in power in late 90s.

In last two decades after Taliban's defeat in 2001, women could at least dream of something. Women politicians, journalists and even security personnel defined the changing social scene in Afghanistan.

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Women anchors on <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOLOnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/YcutkgRpcX">pic.twitter.com/YcutkgRpcX</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1427547511955214336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A single day changed everything.

Taliban stormed into a defenceless Afghan capital without facing any resistance and ideas of a new Afghanistan appeared to be something that defined a bygone era.&nbsp;

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Same country, same journalist, one day difference<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfganistanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfganistanWomen</a> <a href="https://t.co/mvKQzE1sIr">pic.twitter.com/mvKQzE1sIr</a>
— Andrei Menshenin ✈️ (@A_Menshenin) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_Menshenin/status/1427286283135688706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The chaos at Kabul airport, the fear among even men, were just an indication of how bad things were.

On Monday, a blog written by an Afghan woman in The Guardian made waves&nbsp;online. She describes how women felt when Taliban entered Kabul on Sunday. The world appeared to assume tones distinctly different than before.

The unnamed woman was at the university when she heard about Taliban's entry in Kabul.

"We all wanted to get home, but we couldn’t use public transport. The drivers would not let us in their cars because they did not want to take responsibility for transporting a woman...," she writes as published by The Guardian.

"I worked for so many days and nights to become the person I am today, and this morning when I reached home, the very first thing my sisters and I did was hide our IDs, diplomas and certificates. It was devastating. Why should we hide the things that we should be proud of? In Afghanistan now we are not allowed to be known as the people we are," says the woman as mentioned in The Guardian.

You can read more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-womans-impassioned-blog-makes-waves-online-406127">here</a>

The Taliban have attempted to sound conciliatory. On Tuesday, they even said that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-they-want-women-to-join-their-government-406258">wanted women to join their government</a>. But looking at Taliban's record, a more concrete declaration and practice is required to change the hearts and minds of Afghan women who only see darkness ahead.

What is Utopia? In other words, a highly perfect society? We have various definitions based on our own perspectives. Some would say it is about everyone having enough money to do whatever they want, others would drift towards having freedom of thought.

What is Utopia? In other words, a highly perfect society? We have various definitions based on our own perspectives. Some would say it is about everyone having enough money to do whatever they want, others would drift towards having freedom of thought. But for those who have been robbed of their very basic social rights, it all boils down to whether they will be able to stay alive with dignity. Women in Afghanistan are battling with such dilemmas, now that Taliban have returned to power. The group is known for its hardline stance against gender equality and women from all walks of life in Afghanistan are apprehensive that the progress of the last two decades will amount to nothing now that men with centuries-old thoughts are calling the shots. The social media space is full of such sentiment. There is a touch of nostalgia to the fear. A longing for the days which appear to flit away. This is heart-breaking. Back in 2019, these beautiful Afghan women from Afghanistan's first and only female-only orchestra were full of hope. As the Taliban have invaded Afghanistan, women like them will be banned from singing. They'll be confined to their homes. pic.twitter.com/OenYV0DcgE — Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) August 15, 2021 × What have girls like these done to Taliban to make them keep 'under control'? They perhaps were not even born when the ruthless regime was in power in late 90s. In last two decades after Taliban's defeat in 2001, women could at least dream of something. Women politicians, journalists and even security personnel defined the changing social scene in Afghanistan. Women anchors on @TOLOnews pic.twitter.com/YcutkgRpcX — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 17, 2021 × A single day changed everything. Taliban stormed into a defenceless Afghan capital without facing any resistance and ideas of a new Afghanistan appeared to be something that defined a bygone era. Same country, same journalist, one day difference#Afghanistan #AfganistanWomen pic.twitter.com/mvKQzE1sIr — Andrei Menshenin ✈️ (@A_Menshenin) August 16, 2021 × The chaos at Kabul airport, the fear among even men, were just an indication of how bad things were. On Monday, a blog written by an Afghan woman in The Guardian made waves online. She describes how women felt when Taliban entered Kabul on Sunday. The world appeared to assume tones distinctly different than before. The unnamed woman was at the university when she heard about Taliban's entry in Kabul. "We all wanted to get home, but we couldn’t use public transport. The drivers would not let us in their cars because they did not want to take responsibility for transporting a woman...," she writes as published by The Guardian. "I worked for so many days and nights to become the person I am today, and this morning when I reached home, the very first thing my sisters and I did was hide our IDs, diplomas and certificates. It was devastating. Why should we hide the things that we should be proud of? In Afghanistan now we are not allowed to be known as the people we are," says the woman as mentioned in The Guardian. You can read more here The Taliban have attempted to sound conciliatory. On Tuesday, they even said that they wanted women to join their government. But looking at Taliban's record, a more concrete declaration and practice is required to change the hearts and minds of Afghan women who only see darkness ahead.

Will such images of happy women in Afghanistan be a thing of the past?

Women in Afghanistan dread the return of the Taliban’s repressive rule in the country. Afghan women fear that they would have to live through those harrowing “same dark days” of Taliban rule from 1996-2001.

Spiralling violence in Afghanistan puts women at risk

Afghan women are looking into the future with uncertainty and fear as the Taliban terrorists are sweeping across the country taking one province after another. The Taliban now control more than two-thirds of the country, just two weeks before the U.S. plans to withdraw its last troops.

Afghan women fear for their future as Taliban gain foothold

The civil liberties of Afghan women are at stake. The government of Kabul has issued a pre-controversial decree and that is schoolgirls over 12 years have been banned from public singing.

Afghanistan: Schoolgirls over 12 years banned from public singing

Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, has expressed shock at the decision by the country's education ministry to ban girls aged 12 and above from singing the national anthem or other songs, equating the move with opening gates for the Taliban.

"I am shocked and amazed on this decision by the Afghanistan Ministry of Education. I don't know how it is possible for the Ministry to take such a decision especially in the case of women. This kind of decision means opening the gate for Taliban," Ghafari, mayor of Maidan Shahr, capital city of the Wardak province, told WION.

The Ministry of Education on Wednesday announced to the ban on girls aged 12 and above from singing the national anthem or other songs. However, girls will be allowed to sing at women-only events. All government and private schools have to implement this ban.

The announcement received a backlash among social media users.

"People are making fun of it on Twitter and Facebook. How can you decide what a woman wants? If a girl wants to sing the national anthem, how can you stop them? Who are you to stop them?," said the 29-year-old human rights activist in an exclusive interview to WION.

This is not the first time that the education ministry has come under fire. The country's Education Minister Rangina Hamidi last year had sought to shift school classes from one to three to mosques, stating it would “strengthen the Islamic identity of the students,” and bring Afghanistan’s religious schools, or madrassas, into the mainstream.

Referring to this, Zafari said, "First we had an announcement by the ministry to shift some schools inside mosques. With these mosques and maulvi, we know how the education will be. And now this amazing announcement."

"National anthem is a thing that I feel every child, every girl, every woman, every boy, every man needs to know. I don't know how they (Ministry of Education) can think and form these decisions," she added.

Zafari, whose father was killed and has survived several attempts on her own life for bringing reforms in the province where Taliban has a strong influence, said the government should work towards empowering&nbsp; women instead of passing such orders which will add to their oppression.

"For upcoming generation, it is important to have an education system which is more qualified...and most importantly, there should be no gender extremism in it. This way, we will be able to empower women&nbsp;who are able to come out and gain education," she said.

Zafari, one of the youngest and first female mayors in the country, added , "As a free human being, girls should have the right to choose what they love and want. No rules should be made to stop them from doing whatever they love. Rules, laws and policies are formed by the government for the betterment of its people. But this law is forcing women to stop."

"When people are thinking of living at Mars, Afghanistan is rolling backwards. I feel like we are in 1919 because whatever is happening here is worse than it was in the past. Situation in Afghanistan today is very grim. There is no guarantee what will happen today or in future. I wish things would get better&nbsp;so that at least my sister could have a better future than me," she said.

Zafari urged the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani to review the order.

"I will wish his excellency first lady and Mr President himself look into this more wisely, as it takes a lot of courage for women to step out and risk everything like me. Not many women can pay the cost I paid including my father's murder by the Taliban."

Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, has expressed shock at the decision by the country's education ministry to ban girls aged 12 and above from singing the national anthem or other songs, equating the move with opening gates for the Taliban.

Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, has expressed shock at the decision by the country's education ministry to ban girls aged 12 and above from singing the national anthem or other songs, equating the move with opening gates for the Taliban. "I am shocked and amazed on this decision by the Afghanistan Ministry of Education. I don't know how it is possible for the Ministry to take such a decision especially in the case of women. This kind of decision means opening the gate for Taliban," Ghafari, mayor of Maidan Shahr, capital city of the Wardak province, told WION. The Ministry of Education on Wednesday announced to the ban on girls aged 12 and above from singing the national anthem or other songs. However, girls will be allowed to sing at women-only events. All government and private schools have to implement this ban. The announcement received a backlash among social media users. "People are making fun of it on Twitter and Facebook. How can you decide what a woman wants? If a girl wants to sing the national anthem, how can you stop them? Who are you to stop them?," said the 29-year-old human rights activist in an exclusive interview to WION. This is not the first time that the education ministry has come under fire. The country's Education Minister Rangina Hamidi last year had sought to shift school classes from one to three to mosques, stating it would “strengthen the Islamic identity of the students,” and bring Afghanistan’s religious schools, or madrassas, into the mainstream. Referring to this, Zafari said, "First we had an announcement by the ministry to shift some schools inside mosques. With these mosques and maulvi, we know how the education will be. And now this amazing announcement." "National anthem is a thing that I feel every child, every girl, every woman, every boy, every man needs to know. I don't know how they (Ministry of Education) can think and form these decisions," she added. Zafari, whose father was killed and has survived several attempts on her own life for bringing reforms in the province where Taliban has a strong influence, said the government should work towards empowering women instead of passing such orders which will add to their oppression. "For upcoming generation, it is important to have an education system which is more qualified...and most importantly, there should be no gender extremism in it. This way, we will be able to empower women who are able to come out and gain education," she said. Zafari, one of the youngest and first female mayors in the country, added , "As a free human being, girls should have the right to choose what they love and want. No rules should be made to stop them from doing whatever they love. Rules, laws and policies are formed by the government for the betterment of its people. But this law is forcing women to stop." "When people are thinking of living at Mars, Afghanistan is rolling backwards. I feel like we are in 1919 because whatever is happening here is worse than it was in the past. Situation in Afghanistan today is very grim. There is no guarantee what will happen today or in future. I wish things would get better so that at least my sister could have a better future than me," she said. Zafari urged the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani to review the order. "I will wish his excellency first lady and Mr President himself look into this more wisely, as it takes a lot of courage for women to step out and risk everything like me. Not many women can pay the cost I paid including my father's murder by the Taliban."

Afghanistan opened gates for Taliban: Mayor hits out at ban on girls' public singing

Three female media workers were&nbsp;shot and killed in&nbsp;Afghanistan on&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;in what appeared to be the latest targeted killing to rock the country.&nbsp;

The murders came as the US special envoy to&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;Zalmay Khalilzad returned to Kabul this week for meetings with Afghan leaders, in a bid to revive a flagging peace process as a deadline for US troop withdrawal draws closer.

The United States and the Taliban reached a peace deal in February, but many Afghan women worry that it does not include adequate safeguards for their rights.

They fear a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal, the winding down of international engagement and the re-emergence of the Taliban in politics could destroy hard-won gains women have made since 200,&nbsp;&nbsp;from education to freedom of movement.

Lawmaker&nbsp;Fawzia&nbsp;Koofi, a vocal critic of the Taliban,&nbsp;survived an assassination attempt in August, shortly before she flew to Doha to take part in peace talks.

Koofi is one of five women on the 21-member team announced by the government&nbsp;to hold historic talks with the Islamist terrorist&nbsp;group that once banished women from public life. She became&nbsp;the country's first female deputy of the lower house of parliament.

In an exclusive interview with WION's executive editor-in-chief Palki Sharma Upadhyaya, Koofi talks about the latest wave of violence in Afghanistan amid the withdrawal of the US troops from the country.

''Unfortunately, Afghanistan has been in a war for 40 years. Some of us have grown up during the war.&nbsp;Women of the country have been the main victim,'' Koofi said.

''At the end of the day, no one takes responsibility. By silencing women, they think they can get more power,'' she added.

On being questioned regarding the negotiation with the Taliban,&nbsp;Koofi said ''it is an extremely challenging job for any woman as the Taliban does not recognise equal rights for them.''

However, she added that ''We try to demonstrate power and&nbsp;now negotiate real business with them.''

Koofi said that although ''Its a very stressful, difficult task,&nbsp;the aim to end the war keeps me going.''

Women have made huge strides in the conservative country since a ban during Taliban rule of 1996 to 2001 from school, work, politics and going outside without a male relative.

Women occupy a particularly precarious place, as they face cultural barriers and hostility - not just from conservative family members, but also hardline Islamist groups - for pursuing financial independence and greater equality.

When the Afghan government has announced a new council to safeguard women's rights and interests, amid fears peace talks with the Taliban could lead to the loss of hard-won gains,&nbsp;politician and negotiator Koofi,&nbsp;who has been involved in the peace process, said the council would help drive gender equality.

In her interview with WION, Koofi said ''Issue of women rights was on Taliban's agenda during their negotiation in the peace deal even though their&nbsp;interpretation is very different.''

Koofi added she hopes&nbsp;to preserve the rights of the people.&nbsp;

Even an&nbsp;assassination&nbsp;attempt failed to deter Koofi. She shared her inspiring story during the interview.

Koofi is the 19th out of 23 children in her family. She said during the interview that ''my mother has gone through so much as a woman that&nbsp;didn't want another girl to suffer.''

''Our lives, what we experience is also a product of war,'' she added.

Koofi was left out to die in the sun in one of the attempts to kill her.&nbsp;

On being questioned about her inspiration to join politics, Koofi said that it is in her blood since she comes from a political background.

''I come from a political family.&nbsp;My father was a member of parliament, he was killed.''

Koofi experienced injustice and discrimination as a woman when Taliban was in power. This gave her the motivation and determination to change things.

''We have laws to protect women now. There are&nbsp;more women in the peace negotiation and are now unavoidable.''

Koofi said that she gets a chance she will definitely run for the presidency in Afghanistan.

Talking about the meaning of International Women's Day for Afghan women, Koofi said that ''Afghan women have demonstrated resilience, strength and never give up attitude but there are still a lot of women’s issues which are off the radar.

Three female media workers were shot and killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday in what appeared to be the latest targeted killing to rock the country. The murders came as the US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad returned to Kabul this week for meetings with Afghan leaders, in a bid to revive a flagging peace process as a deadline for US troop withdrawal draws closer.

Three female media workers were shot and killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday in what appeared to be the latest targeted killing to rock the country. The murders came as the US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad returned to Kabul this week for meetings with Afghan leaders, in a bid to revive a flagging peace process as a deadline for US troop withdrawal draws closer. The United States and the Taliban reached a peace deal in February, but many Afghan women worry that it does not include adequate safeguards for their rights. They fear a US troop withdrawal, the winding down of international engagement and the re-emergence of the Taliban in politics could destroy hard-won gains women have made since 200, from education to freedom of movement. Lawmaker Fawzia Koofi, a vocal critic of the Taliban, survived an assassination attempt in August, shortly before she flew to Doha to take part in peace talks. Koofi is one of five women on the 21-member team announced by the government to hold historic talks with the Islamist terrorist group that once banished women from public life. She became the country's first female deputy of the lower house of parliament. In an exclusive interview with WION's executive editor-in-chief Palki Sharma Upadhyaya, Koofi talks about the latest wave of violence in Afghanistan amid the withdrawal of the US troops from the country. ''Unfortunately, Afghanistan has been in a war for 40 years. Some of us have grown up during the war. Women of the country have been the main victim,'' Koofi said. ''At the end of the day, no one takes responsibility. By silencing women, they think they can get more power,'' she added. On being questioned regarding the negotiation with the Taliban, Koofi said ''it is an extremely challenging job for any woman as the Taliban does not recognise equal rights for them.'' However, she added that ''We try to demonstrate power and now negotiate real business with them.'' Koofi said that although ''Its a very stressful, difficult task, the aim to end the war keeps me going.'' Women have made huge strides in the conservative country since a ban during Taliban rule of 1996 to 2001 from school, work, politics and going outside without a male relative. Women occupy a particularly precarious place, as they face cultural barriers and hostility - not just from conservative family members, but also hardline Islamist groups - for pursuing financial independence and greater equality. When the Afghan government has announced a new council to safeguard women's rights and interests, amid fears peace talks with the Taliban could lead to the loss of hard-won gains, politician and negotiator Koofi, who has been involved in the peace process, said the council would help drive gender equality. In her interview with WION, Koofi said ''Issue of women rights was on Taliban's agenda during their negotiation in the peace deal even though their interpretation is very different.'' Koofi added she hopes to preserve the rights of the people. Even an assassination attempt failed to deter Koofi. She shared her inspiring story during the interview. Koofi is the 19th out of 23 children in her family. She said during the interview that ''my mother has gone through so much as a woman that didn't want another girl to suffer.'' ''Our lives, what we experience is also a product of war,'' she added. Koofi was left out to die in the sun in one of the attempts to kill her. On being questioned about her inspiration to join politics, Koofi said that it is in her blood since she comes from a political background. ''I come from a political family. My father was a member of parliament, he was killed.'' Koofi experienced injustice and discrimination as a woman when Taliban was in power. This gave her the motivation and determination to change things. ''We have laws to protect women now. There are more women in the peace negotiation and are now unavoidable.'' Koofi said that she gets a chance she will definitely run for the presidency in Afghanistan. Talking about the meaning of International Women's Day for Afghan women, Koofi said that ''Afghan women have demonstrated resilience, strength and never give up attitude but there are still a lot of women’s issues which are off the radar.

Afghan women play 'crucial' role in Taliban talks, politician and negotiator Fawzia Koofi tells WION

Women officers from Afghan National Army train at Officers Training Academy in Chennai

Almost every morning, before rush hour clogs up the streets of Kabul, professional athlete&nbsp;Rukhsar&nbsp;Habibzai&nbsp;puts on her helmet, goggles and cycling shoes and rides door-to-door picking up women for a training session around Afghanistan's capital.

Many in the conservative country see cycling as a sport reserved for men, so for&nbsp;Habibzai&nbsp;and the dozens of other cyclists on the national women's team riding is about fighting the taboo and claiming equal space on the city's streets.

With Kabul's air cleaner than usual following the coronavirus lockdown and the city announcing it will soon create its first cycle lanes,&nbsp;Habibzai&nbsp;and her teammates are zipping around town to encourage more young women to get on their bikes.

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Fazli Ahmad Fazli, president of the Afghan Cycling Federation is very proud of Rukhsar Habibzai, the 24-year-old captain of the team, WION spoke to Habibzai in an exclusive chat and got to know more about her journey. &nbsp;

Here are the excerpts from the interview:&nbsp;

WION: Tell us something about yourself and about your life in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Rukhsar: Hi This is Rukhsaar Habibzai from Afghanistan women's cycling team and right now I'm studying dentistry and I want to become a maxillofacial surgeon which is one of my dreams to serve my people. It is very important for me to complete my education. Since I'm a cyclist too, it's not so easy to handle everything together.

My only wish is peace and security in our country and that every girl or woman can continue her education. I wish a day comes when there is no girl or woman illiterate. I was very young when I rode the bicycle when I began it as a hobby with my friends and then we moved to Kabul.&nbsp;

WION: How was your experience as a female cyclist who was passionate about the sport in a country like Afghanistan?&nbsp;

Rukhsar: I used to ride a bicycle in Kabul and one day a man shouted at me that the bicycle was not for me, a woman, it is only for a man. I got scared and left cycling for a while.

One day me and my friend, who is now in France, we decided to join a team. Then we joined a national cycling team but my family did not allow me to ride a bicycle because our culture doesn't allow that.

Somehow, I convinced my family and my brothers and then I participated in the team. In 2016, our team was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the first time. Afghanistan was nominated for this precious prize.&nbsp;

WION: How were your international encounters as a team and what do you plan for the future?&nbsp;

Rukhsar: In 2016 my teammates Masooma Alizadeh and Zahira Alizadeh participated and achieved second and third position. It was a big achievement for the federation and our country.

Right now they are in France, they got a scholarship from the International Olympics Committee for Olympic Games. About 50 female cyclists are registered in our federation from different provinces while only 12 of them are members of the national team. Out future plan for the federation is to develop the female team so they can participate in any competition.&nbsp;

WION: Afghanistan is mostly related with incidents of violence and terror. Is there a different face of the country that you see and would like to show the world?&nbsp;

Rukhsar: Afghanistan is a war-torn country where people have gone through wars for a very long time. Our country is known for violence, however, there are some positive and beautiful other versions of Afghanistan too.

Afghanistan is under development. People are getting educated, women have become stronger than before by participating in sports and working in great organizations.

Our men are growing with a broader-mindset and allowing their daughters and sisters to play their part in the country's progress. The young generation is taking over government as we see younger lawmakers and politicians in Afghanistan. Men and women have slowly and gradually become started sharing equal rights.

Afghanistan is becoming more beautiful since our historical places are preserved well for tourism, to name a few spots for instance Buddha of Bamyan province and Darul Aman Palace in Kabul. Things are changing in Afghanistan and I am sure one day, by God’s grace, Afghanistan will be among all other developed countries of the World. &nbsp;

WION: What are your personal views on the ongoing peace talks in Afghanistan especially in the light of the recent murderous attack on Women’s Rights activist Fawzia Koofi?&nbsp;

Rukhsar: The role of women in Afghanistan was limited in the past but now in the new era, girls are becoming more about their rights. We see a number of girls graduating from high schools and universities from all across the country. I belong to Ghazni province and it makes me happy to see a number of girls graduating from universities in Ghazni and the same are happening in other provinces of Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Our girls from different parts of the country are taking part in peace negotiations, in politics, sports, and working in well-known organizations of Afghanistan.

We see a great number of women in the cabinet as ministers. We have many women parliamentarians in Afghanistan who are actively taking part in law-making as well as reaching out to the people of Afghanistan. By God’s grace, soon all the rights of men and women in Afghanistan will be just and equal.&nbsp;

Almost every morning, before rush hour clogs up the streets of Kabul, professional athlete Rukhsar Habibzai puts on her helmet, goggles and cycling shoes and rides door-to-door picking up women for a training session around Afghanistan's capital.

Almost every morning, before rush hour clogs up the streets of Kabul, professional athlete Rukhsar Habibzai puts on her helmet, goggles and cycling shoes and rides door-to-door picking up women for a training session around Afghanistan's capital. Many in the conservative country see cycling as a sport reserved for men, so for Habibzai and the dozens of other cyclists on the national women's team riding is about fighting the taboo and claiming equal space on the city's streets. With Kabul's air cleaner than usual following the coronavirus lockdown and the city announcing it will soon create its first cycle lanes, Habibzai and her teammates are zipping around town to encourage more young women to get on their bikes. Fazli Ahmad Fazli, president of the Afghan Cycling Federation is very proud of Rukhsar Habibzai, the 24-year-old captain of the team, WION spoke to Habibzai in an exclusive chat and got to know more about her journey. Here are the excerpts from the interview: WION: Tell us something about yourself and about your life in Afghanistan. Rukhsar: Hi This is Rukhsaar Habibzai from Afghanistan women's cycling team and right now I'm studying dentistry and I want to become a maxillofacial surgeon which is one of my dreams to serve my people. It is very important for me to complete my education. Since I'm a cyclist too, it's not so easy to handle everything together. My only wish is peace and security in our country and that every girl or woman can continue her education. I wish a day comes when there is no girl or woman illiterate. I was very young when I rode the bicycle when I began it as a hobby with my friends and then we moved to Kabul. WION: How was your experience as a female cyclist who was passionate about the sport in a country like Afghanistan? Rukhsar: I used to ride a bicycle in Kabul and one day a man shouted at me that the bicycle was not for me, a woman, it is only for a man. I got scared and left cycling for a while. One day me and my friend, who is now in France, we decided to join a team. Then we joined a national cycling team but my family did not allow me to ride a bicycle because our culture doesn't allow that. Somehow, I convinced my family and my brothers and then I participated in the team. In 2016, our team was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the first time. Afghanistan was nominated for this precious prize. WION: How were your international encounters as a team and what do you plan for the future? Rukhsar: In 2016 my teammates Masooma Alizadeh and Zahira Alizadeh participated and achieved second and third position. It was a big achievement for the federation and our country. Right now they are in France, they got a scholarship from the International Olympics Committee for Olympic Games. About 50 female cyclists are registered in our federation from different provinces while only 12 of them are members of the national team. Out future plan for the federation is to develop the female team so they can participate in any competition. WION: Afghanistan is mostly related with incidents of violence and terror. Is there a different face of the country that you see and would like to show the world? Rukhsar: Afghanistan is a war-torn country where people have gone through wars for a very long time. Our country is known for violence, however, there are some positive and beautiful other versions of Afghanistan too. Afghanistan is under development. People are getting educated, women have become stronger than before by participating in sports and working in great organizations. Our men are growing with a broader-mindset and allowing their daughters and sisters to play their part in the country's progress. The young generation is taking over government as we see younger lawmakers and politicians in Afghanistan. Men and women have slowly and gradually become started sharing equal rights. Afghanistan is becoming more beautiful since our historical places are preserved well for tourism, to name a few spots for instance Buddha of Bamyan province and Darul Aman Palace in Kabul. Things are changing in Afghanistan and I am sure one day, by God’s grace, Afghanistan will be among all other developed countries of the World. WION: What are your personal views on the ongoing peace talks in Afghanistan especially in the light of the recent murderous attack on Women’s Rights activist Fawzia Koofi? Rukhsar: The role of women in Afghanistan was limited in the past but now in the new era, girls are becoming more about their rights. We see a number of girls graduating from high schools and universities from all across the country. I belong to Ghazni province and it makes me happy to see a number of girls graduating from universities in Ghazni and the same are happening in other provinces of Afghanistan. Our girls from different parts of the country are taking part in peace negotiations, in politics, sports, and working in well-known organizations of Afghanistan. We see a great number of women in the cabinet as ministers. We have many women parliamentarians in Afghanistan who are actively taking part in law-making as well as reaching out to the people of Afghanistan. By God’s grace, soon all the rights of men and women in Afghanistan will be just and equal.

Brave face of Afghanistan led by female cyclists breaking taboos

For 16-year-old&nbsp;Negin&nbsp;Afshar, riding a motorbike around a dirt track in Kabul isn't just about the excitement. It is also a way to show that Afghan women can be tough too in a country where concerns are growing that hard-earned rights might be lost.

Encouraged by her parents,&nbsp;Afshar&nbsp;took up motocross about a year ago after having competed for Afghanistan in athletics when she was younger.

Wearing a white helmet and black and red motorbike suit, she trains with male riders on a barren lot surrounded by warehouses and private homes.

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"When I saw the men motorcycling here, I decided to pursue motocross to inspire Afghan women and show that they can do this tough sport as well,"&nbsp;Afshar&nbsp;said during a break from practice.

"I tried to be one of the first women to take this path, and I hope we can encourage others as well."

She and her mother worry that pursuing her passion may not be so easy in future, with the hardline Islamist Taliban movement bidding for a share of power in a country where it has led a ruthless insurgency since 2001.

When the group ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, girls were not allowed to attend school, women could not work and they had to wear all-enveloping burqas when they left their homes.

In recent months the Taliban has projected itself as more moderate, as it seeks to turn battlefield gains into formal recognition. Talks with a government-mandated committee remain stalled amid violence and mutual suspicion.

Asked whether she was concerned about the rights of girls and women being eroded should the Taliban return to power,&nbsp;Afshar&nbsp;replied:

"God willing, this will not happen, because our government will not allow the Taliban to do so ... If they want to violate our rights, we will stand against them and resist. I will not leave my country, and I want to stay here and serve my country."

Her mother, Frishta&nbsp;Afshar, head of the women's committee of the National Motorcycling Federation of Afghanistan, agreed.

"Some people do not agree with this, and they have a negative view, while others agree and encourage," she said. "In any case, my husband and I will support her as much as we can, and we want to take&nbsp;Negin&nbsp;to the highest peaks of success."

For the time being, such dreams are on hold.

Sayed Nabiullah Sadat, the motorcycling federation's president, said the motocross team had been invited to competitions in Iran and Malaysia, but the coronavirus pandemic had disrupted those plans.

For 16-year-old Negin Afshar, riding a motorbike around a dirt track in Kabul isn't just about the excitement. It is also a way to show that Afghan women can be tough too in a country where concerns are growing that hard-earned rights might be lost.

For 16-year-old Negin Afshar, riding a motorbike around a dirt track in Kabul isn't just about the excitement. It is also a way to show that Afghan women can be tough too in a country where concerns are growing that hard-earned rights might be lost. Encouraged by her parents, Afshar took up motocross about a year ago after having competed for Afghanistan in athletics when she was younger. Wearing a white helmet and black and red motorbike suit, she trains with male riders on a barren lot surrounded by warehouses and private homes. "When I saw the men motorcycling here, I decided to pursue motocross to inspire Afghan women and show that they can do this tough sport as well," Afshar said during a break from practice. "I tried to be one of the first women to take this path, and I hope we can encourage others as well." She and her mother worry that pursuing her passion may not be so easy in future, with the hardline Islamist Taliban movement bidding for a share of power in a country where it has led a ruthless insurgency since 2001. When the group ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, girls were not allowed to attend school, women could not work and they had to wear all-enveloping burqas when they left their homes. In recent months the Taliban has projected itself as more moderate, as it seeks to turn battlefield gains into formal recognition. Talks with a government-mandated committee remain stalled amid violence and mutual suspicion. Asked whether she was concerned about the rights of girls and women being eroded should the Taliban return to power, Afshar replied: "God willing, this will not happen, because our government will not allow the Taliban to do so ... If they want to violate our rights, we will stand against them and resist. I will not leave my country, and I want to stay here and serve my country." Her mother, Frishta Afshar, head of the women's committee of the National Motorcycling Federation of Afghanistan, agreed. "Some people do not agree with this, and they have a negative view, while others agree and encourage," she said. "In any case, my husband and I will support her as much as we can, and we want to take Negin to the highest peaks of success." For the time being, such dreams are on hold. Sayed Nabiullah Sadat, the motorcycling federation's president, said the motocross team had been invited to competitions in Iran and Malaysia, but the coronavirus pandemic had disrupted those plans.

Afghan girl takes up motocross and champions women's rights

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