In a powerful address at the United Nations, Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep expressed her unwavering solidarity with Afghan women and girls, condemning the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban. During an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Streep made a striking comparison, stating, "Today in Kabul a female cat has more freedoms than a woman." Her remarks highlight the tragic reality faced by women in Afghanistan, who are subjected to oppressive rules that limit their freedoms in every aspect of life.

The actress's comments shed light on the dramatic transformation of Afghan society following the Taliban's return to power, describing it as a "cautionary tale for the rest of the world." Streep criticized the Taliban's strict crackdown on women's rights, which includes barring most girls from high school and women from pursuing higher education. Under Taliban rule, beauty salons have been closed, and women are now required to travel with a male guardian, stripping them of their autonomy and public presence.

Streep poignantly illustrated the dire circumstances of Afghan women: "A cat may go sit on her front stoop and feel the sun on her face. She may chase a squirrel into the park. A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today, because the public parks have been closed to women and girls." This metaphor starkly underscores the extent of the restrictions women face, as even mundane freedoms are denied to them.

The United Nations has been vocal about the need for a unified global approach to confront the Taliban's draconian policies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that without the active participation of women in society—be it in education, employment, or leadership roles—Afghanistan cannot hope to reclaim its place on the global stage. Guterres stated, "Without educated women, without women in employment, including in leadership roles, and without recognizing the rights and freedoms of one-half of its population, Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage."

In response to international condemnation, the Taliban has claimed that their laws are aligned with their interpretation of Islamic law. Recently, the group codified a set of morality laws based on a decree from their supreme leader. These rules have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and the global community alike, as they represent a systematic erosion of women's rights and personal freedoms in Afghanistan.

Among the new regulations are mandates that require women to veil their bodies in public at all times, with a face covering deemed necessary to prevent "temptation." The laws extend to prohibiting women from being in the presence of non-Muslim males and females unless they are family, enforcing a form of social isolation. Moreover, women are not allowed to sing, recite, or read aloud in public, as their voices are considered "intimate."

The laws also empower the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue to enforce these rules, administering punishments such as warnings or arrest for alleged violations. This ministry is tasked with ensuring adherence to Islamic law, further restricting personal freedoms and the rights of women. The overarching goal of these measures appears to be the promotion of a rigid interpretation of virtue and morality, which many see as a violation of fundamental human rights.

Heather Barr, a representative from Human Rights Watch, expressed deep concern over the formalization of these oppressive laws, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on personal freedoms since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. This shift has created an environment where the basic rights of women and girls are systematically stripped away, relegating them to a life of subservience and confinement.

As global leaders and organizations gather to discuss these pressing issues, Streep's call to action resonates louder than ever. The need for advocacy and support for Afghan women is urgent, and it requires a collective effort from the international community to uphold their rights and freedoms. Only by acknowledging and addressing these violations can we hope to create a more equitable and just future for all.

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