Women’s Movement Toward Freedom: Abida, a Symbol of the Silent Cry of Afghan Women

Zan TV

The Women’s Movement Toward Freedom, in a recent statement, has described the self-immolation of Abida, a young girl from Ghor province, as a symbol of the silent cry of Afghan women and has strongly condemned the Taliban regime for its systematic violence against women.

The statement, released on Wednesday (April 30), reads: "Abida, a girl among thousands of silent daughters of this land, under the dominance of the patriarchal system and Taliban fascism, in the moment when all walls rose against her, decided to set herself on fire so that her voice would not remain silent."

Expressing sorrow over this incident, the movement referred to the Taliban as a "terrorist and misogynistic group" and emphasized that they must be held accountable in international courts for crimes against humanity and systematic femicide.

The movement called on families throughout Afghanistan to resist forced marriages and the sale of daughters. "Do not sell your daughters. Do not hand them over in disgraceful transactions to forced marriages. Stand against oppression, not beside it."

Directly addressing men and village elders, the statement added: "Abida became fire to become light. If you remain silent, history will know you by the shame of your silence."

In conclusion, the movement, while expressing solidarity with the women of Afghanistan, called on the international community not to close its eyes to this situation. "If you close your eyes today, tomorrow history will write your name beside the oppressors. The Abidas of this world need shelter, support, and justice, not just pity."

It is worth noting that Abida, a young girl from the Taywara district of Ghor province, set herself on fire in response to the pressure of a forced marriage. The incident has sparked widespread reactions from women’s rights activists and once again highlighted the tragic fate of women in Afghanistan.