Women’s Freedom Lantern Movement: Abida’s Self-Immolation Is a Fiery Cry Against Mullah Hibatullah’s Misogynistic Policies

Sent to Zan TV

Members of the Afghan Women’s Freedom Lantern Movement, by holding a protest gathering in Islamabad, Pakistan, reacted to the self-immolation of Abida, a young girl from Ghor province. In this gathering, the protesters assembled around a symbolic coffin bearing the burned image of Abida and chanted slogans against the Taliban’s misogynistic policies.

In a video released from this gathering, the protesters say: “We have come not for farewell, but to honor bravery. Abida did not speak, but her voice rose from the flames.”

Also, in a statement released today, Thursday (1 May), by this movement, it is stated that Abida fell victim to a misogynistic and repressive system in which the Taliban disregard not only women’s will and freedom, but also their lives.

The Women’s Freedom Lantern Movement considered Abida’s self-immolation a symbol of the systematic oppression Afghan women face daily. This movement emphasized: “Forced marriage is a crime, especially when imposed by an armed and oppressive regime.”

The protesters demanded that those responsible for this incident be prosecuted and that justice be served for Abida, stating that this event is a cry from within the fire against the Taliban’s misogynistic policies.

In the video released from this gathering, they say: “Abida’s burning is a clear example of the Taliban’s oppression and cruelty. This self-immolation is not an incident but a fiery cry of a girl against Mullah Hibatullah’s misogynistic policies.”

They called Abida’s death “a spark of hope and resistance” and emphasized that her voice will live on among the women of Afghanistan.

The Women’s Freedom Lantern Movement, expressing sympathy with Abida’s family, called on the international community to pay more attention to the dire situation of women in Afghanistan and to prevent the normalization of the Taliban.