Social Issues
Twelve Afghan women document daily life under Taliban rule in new photo series
What happened
Twelve Afghan women have shared their daily routines through a photo series documenting life under Taliban restrictions, highlighting resilience amid bans on education, work and public visibility. The project, titled 'We are still here', was published on 12 August 2026 and features intimate moments from their homes in Kabul and surrounding areas.
Key facts
The photo series includes 12 women from Kabul and nearby provinces, each sharing personal stories alongside images of their daily activities.
One participant, a former teacher, now teaches children in secret, risking punishment under Taliban rules.
Another woman runs a small tailoring business from her home, despite the ban on women working in most professions.
The project was coordinated by a team of local photographers and journalists operating under pseudonyms to protect identities.
Publication date: 12 August 2026.
Context
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, imposing strict rules on women’s rights, including bans on secondary education, most employment and public gatherings without a male guardian. Since 2021, Afghan women have faced increasing restrictions on movement, dress and participation in public life, with the Taliban citing interpretations of Islamic law. International organizations and human rights groups have repeatedly condemned these policies, calling them violations of fundamental freedoms. Prior to Taliban rule, Afghan women had made significant progress in education, workforce participation and political representation over the past two decades.