Since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, a concerning surge in female suicides has been observed. Limited data collected from psychiatric clinics and public hospitals in about one-third of Afghanistan’s provinces reveals distressing figures, emphasizing a public health crisis.
“Afghanistan is in the midst of a mental health crisis precipitated by a women’s rights crisis.” – Alison Davidian, UN Women
The veiled crisis: unreported suicides in Taliban-controlled regions
The Taliban’s control restricts the release of suicide statistics, compelling healthcare professionals to discreetly share information. Despite limitations, data from August 2021 to August 2022 indicates that Afghanistan is one of the few countries globally witnessing a higher number of suicides among women than men.
“We are witnessing a time when more and more women and girls see death as preferable to life in the current circumstances.” – Alison Davidian, UN Women
Taliban restrictions and women’s mental health
Women’s rights activists and UN officials attribute the surge in suicides to Taliban-imposed restrictions, including limited education, job opportunities, and access to public spaces. Afghanistan has now become a rare case where women’s suicides outnumber men’s.
“Afghanistan is in the midst of a mental health crisis precipitated by a women’s rights crisis.” – Alison Davidian, UN Women
Personal stories reflecting desperation
Stories like that of Myriam, whose dreams were shattered by the Taliban’s education ban, and Samira, who endured an abusive marriage, highlight the despair leading women to consider suicide as a way out of their grim circumstances.
“I had two options: marrying a drug addict and living a life of misery or ending my own life.” – Myriam
Concealing tragedy: societal stigma surrounding suicide
Due to cultural and religious norms, suicide is considered shameful and un-Islamic. Families often conceal suicides, claiming other causes, contributing to the underreporting of the true extent of women’s despair and desperation.
“The rarity of cases where [relatives] voluntarily admit suicide is when they do not want any family member to be accused of murder.” – Ms. Akbar, Rawadari
Uncovering a hidden crisis
An investigation by The Guardian, in collaboration with Zan Times and Fuller Project, sheds light on the escalating crisis of female suicides in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The article delves into the hidden struggles faced by Afghan women amidst restrictive governance.
“Despair is settling in’: female suicides on the rise in Taliban’s Afghanistan.” – The Guardian, Zan Times, Fuller Project
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