Gender Apartheid: Women in Afghanistan have faced extreme oppression under the Taliban, with rights stripped away and fears of punishment. Amid this crisis, the cricket team competes internationally, presenting a stark contrast to the dire situation regarding women's rights in the country.
Life in Afghanistan has drastically changed since the Taliban took control, with women losing their rights and freedoms, including education and the ability to protest. A female doctor shares her fears of imprisonment and the daily disappearances of friends. Amid this turmoil, Afghanistan's cricket team competes internationally, raising questions about normalcy and acceptance when such severe injustices occur against women. While some celebrate cricket as a national pride, many feel uncomfortable supporting a team representing a regime that enforces gender apartheid. The contrast between sports and human rights highlights an ongoing global concern and debate about how to engage with nations violating basic human rights. As the situation persists, it is crucial for the world to recognize and respond to the plight of Afghan women, who face extreme oppression, and to question whether sporting events should occur under such circumstances.
Cricket's Hope: Cricket offers hope to many in Afghanistan, particularly women facing severe restrictions under the Taliban, even as the regime exploits the sport for its own purposes.
In Afghanistan, cricket is a source of joy for many people despite the harsh realities imposed by the Taliban. While some advocate for boycotting Afghan sports, it's important to remember that cricket offers hope and a connection to the outside world for those suffering under oppressive rules. Women face severe restrictions, including being unable to participate in public life or express themselves. Many find comfort in the success of the Afghan cricket team, which represents resilience and unity amidst the regime’s strictures. Paradoxically, the Taliban recognizes the team's popularity and seeks to leverage this connection for their own image, showing the complex dynamics between cultural expression, national pride, and the ongoing oppression of women in Afghanistan.
Despair in Afghanistan: Women in Afghanistan are facing severe restrictions under Taliban rule, leading to hopelessness, unemployment, and loss of rights, with many unable to access education or public spaces.
The situation for women in Afghanistan has become dire since the Taliban's return. Many women face severe restrictions, such as the need for chaperones and absolute coverage in public. Access to education and jobs is severely limited, causing hopelessness among young girls. Many women are struggling to find any means of support, with some resorting to suicide due to despair. Despite the teachings of Islam encouraging education, many girls still cannot attend school or university. Women have lost their rights to participate in public life, and public spaces like parks are no longer accessible to them. As a result, the future looks bleak for these women and their daughters, who are raised in a society that increasingly denies them opportunities for advancement and growth.
Women’s Rights Crisis: Women in Afghanistan face increasing oppression under Taliban rule, losing rights to education and public life, leaving families worried about the future for their daughters, and the need for a renewed fight for equality and human rights.
In Afghanistan, the current situation for women has become increasingly oppressive under the Taliban, who have imposed strict measures banning women's rights to education and public presence. A woman reflects on her fears for her daughters' future, recalling how women thrived without Taliban rule. Now, she feels hopeless knowing her children may not enjoy the freedoms she once had. Families are grappling with daunting challenges, and the fear of punishment looms over their daily lives. Society has changed; the presence of technology and communication offers some hope, but the reality is that women face a long struggle to reclaim their rights, which they once fought hard to achieve. The return of the Taliban has dimmed the future for many, leaving mothers anxious about the restrictions their daughters will face. Without significant change, the fight for equality and opportunity may have to start all over again.
Afghanistan's Evolution: Afghanistan's youth have access to modern technology, but the Taliban remains oppressive. The international community struggles with effective responses, needing to engage women in discussions, while aid complicates the situation.
Afghanistan's demographic has drastically changed, with a large youth population that has access to modern technology and social media. Despite the Taliban's strict rules, they have adapted and learned to use communication tools effectively. The international community struggles to respond effectively, as Western influence seems limited, and cutting off aid could worsen the humanitarian situation. Dialogue is necessary, but it must include women to challenge the Taliban on their treatment of them. Many feel frustrated by the circumstances, longing for a future where they can return and report on Afghanistan's realities.
Ongoing Silence: Despite initial outrage over the Taliban's ban on girls' education, this critical issue has faded from public awareness. Christina Lamb urges continued attention and action to support Afghan women and girls, as they face ongoing injustice in 2024.
After the Taliban took control in Afghanistan and banned girls from attending high school, there was an initial global outcry. However, as time has passed, this crucial issue seems to have faded from public conversation. Christina Lamb, a journalist, highlights the continued plight of Afghan women and girls who are still denied education in 2024. She emphasizes the need for ongoing awareness and action against this injustice, reminding us that we should not accept such a reality. The silence surrounding these human rights violations is troubling, and it’s vital for people around the world to acknowledge and respond to the terrible situation facing Afghan women today. We all share a responsibility to advocate for change and support those who bravely report from within Afghanistan, ensuring that their voices and the struggles of countless others are not forgotten.
Inside the land of silent women
Recent Episodes from Stories of our times
Israel declares a ‘new phase’ of war
Exploding pagers and walkie-talkies targeting Hezbollah members have killed dozens of people and injured thousands in Lebanon and Syria. Israel hasn’t commented on the blasts, but the country’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called it "a new phase in the war". What’s next for the region?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribe
Guest: Samer Alatrush, Middle East Correspondent, The Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: NBC News, The Sun, Sky News, Al Jazeera.
Photo: Getty Images
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The British missile that Putin fears
At the UN General Assembly next week, Ukraine's President Zelensky will present his 'plan for victory' to world leaders. Key to that victory, he thinks, is being allowed to shoot British-made 'Storm Shadow' missiles into Russian territory. Keir Starmer agrees, Joe Biden does not. Is Biden right to be worried - or is this all part of a wider plan by the president to bring us closer to some kind of peace?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Mark Urban, writer and columnist, The Sunday Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: BFBS Forces News, CBC, FT.
Episode artwork: Getty Images
Further reading: Are Russia and Ukraine edging towards an endgame?
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How The King’s Prince Andrew problem just got bigger
As a new TV drama re-examines Prince Andrew’s controversial 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, it's understood King Charles is losing patience with his brother over his financial support of him.
What is the Duke of York’s future within the Royal family?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribe
Guest: Kate Mansey, Assistant Editor and Royal Editor, The Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: BBC Newsnight, Scoop/Netflix, A Very Royal Scandal/Amazon, CBS News.
Photo: Getty Images - Prince Andrew and King Charles in 2012.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Inside the land of silent women
How do you live in a society where you can’t speak in public? Where you can’t travel to work without a chaperone? Where you can’t leave the city with your family? We speak to a young woman in Afghanistan who tries to explain. And as Afghanistan’s national cricket team faces off against South Africa this week – how is the nation enforcing a gender apartheid not facing boycott?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Host: Manveen Rana.
Guests:
- Christina Lamb, Chief Foreign Correspondent, The Sunday Times.
- A female doctor in Afghanistan.
Clips: Afghanistan Cricket Board, Sky Sports.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why the price of gold is skyrocketing
The shiny, indestructible metal saw its fortunes wane in the postwar years, but investors and central banks are again flocking to it, with its value hitting new records. What’s fuelling this demand?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribe
Guest: Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times.
Host: Luke Jones
Clips: The Italian Job (1969) Paramount Pictures, ITV News, YouTube/@MengerCenter
Photo: Getty Images
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From the archive: Undercover at one of the UK's most dangerous prisons
In the week that thousands of inmates were freed early from prison, we revisit our recent undercover investigation which prompted an urgent investigation by the Ministry of Justice. Our reporter revealed a worrying lack of security at HMP Bedford which houses dangerous criminals. He witnessed fights and drugs - and heard of a prison escape that happened because doors were left unlocked.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Paul Morgan-Bentley, Head of Investigations, The Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: ITV News, Times Radio, BBC.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Undercover: The Times investigation into Turkish plastic surgery clinics
Medical tourism to Turkey for ‘Brazilian butt lifts’ and liposuction is surging despite the risks.
The UK government says at least 28 people have died since 2019 as a result of medical tourism to the country.
Our correspondent goes undercover to expose the firms recruiting customers in London.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Charlotte Wace, Special Projects Correspondent, The Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Get in touch: TheStory@thetimes.com
investigations@thetimes.com
Photo: Getty images.
Clips: ITV, Talk TV.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trump vs. Harris: Did the debate shift the dial?
Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris came straight after a strong performance against the former President, Donald Trump. Our correspondent was in the spin room watching on as the two candidates clashed over foreign policy, immigration and the economy in their televised debate. But will last night shift the dial of the presidential election?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Tom Newton Dunn, broadcaster and journalist.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Get in touch: TheStory@thetimes.com
Further listening: Trump vs. Harris: The battle of the sexes & Why tech billionaires are backing Trump
Clips: ABC, NBC News.
Photo: Getty images.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The AfD and Germany's Nazi past
The hard-right Alternative for Germany party won its first state election earlier this month in Thuringia. Anti-immigrant, anti-woke and anti-green, its popularity has brought back uncomfortable comparisons with the rise of the National Socialists in the 1930s.
On Monday, Berlin announced that controls at all German land borders will be introduced for six months to stop illegal migrants entering the country.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Get in touch: TheStory@thetimes.com
Photo: Getty images.
Clips: BBC, DW News, AFP.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trump vs. Harris: The battle of the sexes
As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face off tonight in their first TV debate, it’s more than just a political showdown - it's a battle of the sexes. The polls are too close to call with women heavily favouring Harris, while men lean towards Trump. Could the hot-button topic of abortion prove the issue that shifts the electoral balance?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes
Guest: Sarah Baxter, former Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: NBC, Fox, AP Archive.
Further listening: Why tech billionaires are backing Trump
Further reading: Why Donald Trump is suddenly talking about cocaine
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.