Singing Suppression: The Plight Of Afghan Women In The Arts

In Afghanistan, women have had to fight for their right to sing. In March 2021, the Ministry of Education in Kabul banned girls over the age of 12 from singing in public, unless the event was attended solely by women. The ban also prohibited girls from being taught by male music teachers. In response, women across Afghanistan took to social media to share videos of themselves singing, using the hashtag #IAmMySong. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission called the ban a discriminatory violation of girls' human rights. Following the backlash, the Ministry of Education backtracked on the decision, claiming that the letter did not reflect its position and that it would assess the issue. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Afghanistan, particularly in the areas of civil liberties and freedom of expression.

The Kabul ban on girls singing in public was reversed after a social media protest campaign

In March 2021, Kabul authorities banned schoolgirls over 12 years old from singing in public at official ceremonies. The ban was issued by the Kabul education directorate in the form of a letter, stating that girls could not be trained by male music teachers and could only sing at ceremonies with 100% female participants.

The ban sparked a huge backlash, with many accusing the government of sympathising with the Taliban. This led to a social media campaign with the hashtag #IAmMySong, which saw Afghan women and girls, as well as prominent celebrities, uploading videos of themselves singing their favourite songs in protest.

The federal Education Ministry issued a statement that the ban "does not reflect the positions or policies of the Ministry" and that it would investigate the matter. The ministry also stated that it supports the participation of "all students" in social activities, including singing groups, and that it takes pride in their involvement.

The reversal of the ban was celebrated as a small victory by activists, who feared that the rights and freedoms gained by women and girls over the past two decades were under threat. This incident highlighted the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of peace talks with the Taliban.

Despite the reversal, activists like Fariha Easar remain concerned about the future. With the Taliban potentially assuming formal power, there are worries that conservative policies will be implemented, and that the work of activists will become more challenging and dangerous.

The ban was criticised for promoting gender discrimination

In March 2021, the Afghan government faced backlash for issuing a ban on girls over the age of 12 singing in public ceremonies or being taught by male music teachers. The ban was criticised for promoting gender discrimination and for being a regressive step for women's rights in the country.

The ban was issued in the form of a letter by Kabul's Education Department, stating that girls over the age of 12 would not be allowed to sing at public events unless the event was exclusively female. The letter also stipulated that female students could not be taught by male music teachers. The reason given for the ban was that it would allow students to focus on their studies, as there had been complaints from families about the burden of schoolwork on students.

The decision sparked widespread outrage and criticism from Afghans, including prominent cultural figures, rights activists, and ordinary citizens. Many took to social media to express their disapproval, using the hashtag #IAmMySong to share videos of themselves singing in protest. The backlash prompted the federal Education Ministry to distance itself from the ban, stating that it did not reflect the ministry's position and that it would investigate the matter.

The controversy surrounding the ban occurred during a period of fragile peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, raising concerns about the potential rollback of women's rights and civil liberties in the country. Activists feared that a power-sharing agreement with the Taliban could lead to the loss of gains made in the past two decades regarding women's rights and civil liberties.

The ban highlighted the tensions within Afghan society, with a significant portion of the population unwilling to accept such regressive measures and advocating for the protection of women's rights and gender equality.

The Taliban's influence on the ban

The Taliban's influence on the current situation in Afghanistan is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, the group has not officially banned music since regaining power in 2021. However, there are reports of Taliban fighters enforcing rules on their own, harassing musicians and music venues, and destroying musical instruments. This has created an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship among musicians, with many choosing to leave the country or hide their instruments.

The Taliban's previous ban on music and their current actions have had significant impacts on women in Afghanistan. Women have traditionally used music as a means of expression and a way to connect with their culture and history. By banning music, the Taliban effectively silence the voices of women and restrict their ability to participate in society. Additionally, the ban on male music teachers instructing female students further limits women's access to education and empowerment.

The ongoing peace talks and negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are crucial in determining the future of women's rights and musical expression in Afghanistan. However, there are concerns that any power-sharing agreement could result in the loss of hard-fought gains made in civil liberties and women's rights over the past two decades.

The Taliban's historical suppression of music and education for women

Suppression of Music

The Taliban has historically banned music in Afghanistan, with the exception of religious songs and Taliban chants. Musical instruments were banned, and any kind of music-making that involved musical instruments was prohibited. This ban was enforced by destroying musical instruments, disrupting wedding parties, and punishing musicians. The Taliban's suppression of music was aimed at absolute control over the population, with a particular focus on women. Women suspected of "moral crimes" were publicly executed, and the Taliban has reserved its greatest enthusiasm for punishing women.

Suppression of Education

The Taliban has also suppressed education for women and girls in Afghanistan. During their rule from 1996 to 2001, girls were not allowed to attend school. Since their return to power in 2021, the Taliban has barred girls from receiving secondary and university education. The group has implemented over 20 written and verbal decrees on girls' education, banning co-education, certain university majors for women, and annual university entrance exams for female students. Additionally, university female lecturers face severe restrictions designed to prevent them from interacting with men on campus.

Impact of Suppression

The suppression of music and education has had a significant impact on Afghan women and girls. They have been deprived of their rights to expression and education, with limited access to basic and higher education. The Taliban's policies have also had negative psychological impacts, with reports of girls exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The suppression of music and education has also disrupted Afghan cultural traditions, as music is an integral part of many rites of passage and cultural celebrations in Afghanistan.

The future of women's rights in Afghanistan

Recent Developments

Since the Taliban's takeover, there have been reports of women being banned from working, restrictions on their education, and a lack of protection from violence. The situation for women and girls in the country is bleak, with the Taliban imposing strict dress codes, limiting their movement, and excluding them from public office. Women's rights activists have been facing serious threats, with reports of detentions, child marriages, forced marriages, and rapes. The Ministry of Women's Affairs has been abolished, and women's protection centers are under attack.

Historical Context

Afghanistan has a history of struggling with starvation, war, and terror, which has disproportionately affected women and girls. In the 1990s, under Taliban rule, women faced severe social restrictions, including mandatory burqa coverings and limited access to healthcare, education, and jobs. However, after the Taliban's removal from power in 2001, Afghanistan's post-Taliban constitution granted women a wide range of rights, and the country experienced social and economic growth. Women's life expectancy and educational enrollment increased, and they gained representation in politics and business.

International Response

The international community has expressed concern over the situation, but their ability to influence the Taliban is limited. The United States, in particular, faces a dilemma as it withdraws its military presence while trying to preserve women's rights. The UN and other organizations are providing support to Afghan women, advocating for their rights, and calling for concrete actions to uphold their rights to education and employment.

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