Hundreds of Afghan activists and members of the Afghan community in Sweden gathered in Stockholm to protest Taliban policies targeting women and girls in Afghanistan.
The demonstration was organized following recent reports of arrests of women and girls in Herat and the continued expansion of social and civil restrictions affecting women across the country.
Participants carried placards and chanted slogans calling on the international community to pay greater attention to the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
Protesters condemned the reported detention of dozens of women and girls in Herat over alleged violations of dress regulations and criticized the suppression of public demonstrations in the province.
During the gathering, some participants tore images of Taliban leaders and voiced strong opposition to the group’s policies toward women and civil society.
Women’s rights activists attending the event argued that the restrictions imposed on Afghan women extend beyond discrimination and should be viewed as a form of what they described as “gender apartheid.”
Demonstrators called on the United Nations, the European Union and Western governments to avoid political engagement with the Taliban and to take stronger measures in support of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Participants also expressed opposition to reports that Taliban representatives could be invited to attend meetings in Europe, arguing that granting visas to members of the group would send the wrong message regarding accountability and human rights.
Organizers warned that demonstrations and advocacy campaigns would continue across Europe until restrictions on women are lifted and those detained are released.
The Stockholm protest follows a series of similar demonstrations held in recent months in European cities including Berlin, Hamburg and Geneva, where Afghan activists have sought to draw international attention to developments inside Afghanistan.
Human rights organizations and advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation closely, while debates over international engagement with the Taliban remain a significant issue in diplomatic and political discussions.
