On August 15, 2023 the Taliban celebrated the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan. This regime change came on the heels of the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces after two decades of war. The streets of Kabul were filled with jubilant Taliban fighters, as thousands of men poured out into the streets to celebrate the day. While the celebrations featured speeches by various cabinet members, uniquely, women were not allowed to celebrate in any way.
In a rare act of public engagement, Hibatullah Akhundzada, the reclusive Taliban supreme leader, did address the conclave. He expressed his respect for all sacrifices endured by Afghans during the last fifty years to have a form of Islamic law, or sharia. He emphasized the hardships endured by the population, stating, “These are great divine blessings that our people should not forget and, during the commemoration of Victory Day, express great gratitude to Allah Almighty so that the blessings will increase.”
The anniversary celebrations featured a massive “flower shower,” when petal-filled helicopters showered spectators with the flowers. This event was limited in scope — three of the six designated areas were already closed to women. Since mid-November 2022 women have not been allowed to enter any park or recreational space. Yet this decision has dramatically restricted their public expression rights.
Not even the Taliban’s pat claims of bringing peace through a mature governance style can protect Akhundzada from these blistering attacks. He should be charged with crimes against humanity for this systemic persecution of women and girls. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for both Akhundzada and the chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani, citing violations against fundamental rights including “education, privacy and family life and the freedoms of movement, expression, thought, conscience and religion.”
Though the Taliban reveled in their newfound supremacy, women and others took to the streets across the country to protest. Members of the United Afghan Women’s Movement for Freedom set up a protest inside a school in Takhar province. They held up signs that read, “Forgiving the Taliban is an act of enmity against humanity,” and “August 15th is a dark day.” This protest highlighted the stark contrast between the government’s narrative and the lived experiences of Afghan women under Taliban rule.
An outdoor sports performance that was originally intended on featuring Afghan athletes was canceled, further highlighting the regime’s repressive measures. Since the Taliban took control in August 2021, women have been broadly barred from most sectors of public life. This development has raised deep alarm among human rights advocates.
In his speech, Akhundzada characterized the previous governments as corrupt and oppressive, stating they were marked by “corruption, oppression, usurpation, drugs, theft, robbery, and plunder.” His comments reveal an ongoing obsession with demonizing previous administrations while normalizing the Taliban’s leadership.
The anniversary celebration concluded with spectacular displays of military power and bombastic oaths of fealty from male followers. What made the most lasting impression was the glaring lack of women. The Summit only aggravated pre-existing barriers and instead shined a light on pre-existing tensions in a highly polarized society.