Partially successful and/or failed attempts to counteract ‘anti-gender’ policies and actors.

This paper examines the vital resistance of Afghan women against anti-gender policies since the Taliban regained power in 2021, emphasizing their struggle for basic rights and freedoms while highlighting the detrimental impact of global silence on their efforts. Despite the enormous risks they face, Afghan women have organized protests and advocated for their rights, seeking essential freedoms such as education, healthcare, and employment. However, the lack of a sustained and meaningful response from the international community has rendered many of their initiatives ineffective, diminishing the impact of their activism and inadvertently emboldening the repressive policies of the Taliban. This silence not only undermines the potential for significant change but also creates a superficial understanding of the complex realities confronting Afghan women, who must navigate systemic barriers compounded by cultural stereotypes and geopolitical interests that often prioritize stability over fundamental human rights. The paper analyzes specific instances of women’s resistance in Afghanistan, showcasing their bravery and determination despite the oppressive climate. It highlights the complicated struggles they face, particularly through the lens of intersectionality, exploring how various identities—such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location complicate their resistance efforts and contribute to the marginalization of their voices. This multifaceted approach serves to illuminate the urgent need to recognize and support their unique experiences, which are often overlooked in broader discussions of human rights. Furthermore, the issue of global indifference will be examined, scrutinizing the role of media bias and the failure of international actors to adequately engage with the nuanced circumstances of Afghan women. This overarching silence has not only contributed to a lack of awareness but has also perpetuated a cycle of neglect that stifles meaningful progress toward gender equity. By failing to break this silence, the international community risks perpetuating the very injustices Afghan women strive to combat. Ultimately, this research underscores the critical importance of amplifying the voices of Afghan women in their resistance against oppressive policies. It advocates for a robust response from the international community, emphasizing the necessity of genuine support for Afghan women's rights as a means to foster sustainable change. Prioritizing their experiences and perspectives is essential for transforming partially successful initiatives into comprehensive strategies that effectively combat oppression and promote gender equity. The paper concludes that the global silence surrounding Afghan women’s rights has profoundly failed to support their resistance efforts and highlights the pressing need for an active engagement with their cause. Only by breaking this silence and elevating these women's voices can we hope to build a more just and equitable future for all. By emphasizing their agency and resilience, we can contribute to a concerted movement that champions the rights of Afghan women and encourages sustained global advocacy for gender equality.