"On the afternoon of August 15, 2021, Fahr was arranging books on the shelves of her women's library in Kabul when the Taliban swept into the city. The day would mark the beginning of what the United Nations calls the most restrictive country in the world for women's rights. The 29-year-old law graduate, who uses the pseudonym Fahr Parsi for her safety, watched her dreams crumble within hours."
"The collection of 4,000 books was moved under the cover of darkness to a secret location in Kabul, away from Taliban scrutiny. Since retaking power, the Taliban have systematically erased women from public life with unprecedented speed and scope. According to Human Rights Watch, girls are banned from attending school above grade 6, while universities have been closed to women entirelyincluding medical training programs. Those found to read books or secretly educate themselves face persecution and physical beating, and their families risk punishments."
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban seized Kabul and forced the closure of a women's library founded in 2019, prompting the clandestine relocation of its 4,000-book collection. Rapidly implemented Taliban edicts banned girls from school above grade six and closed universities to women, including medical programs. Women who read, teach, or protest face persecution, beatings, arrest, and torture, and their families suffer social and reputational consequences. Activists who demonstrated were arrested and tortured. Family pressure compelled some to abandon activism to protect honor and safety. Women sold library furniture to pay rent while preserving books in secret.
Read at english.elpais.com
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