The Taliban have been clear and unyielding on their position regarding women’s rights. They proclaim that they will respect their understanding of Sharia and the rule of local custom. This view was presented in the context of mounting international pressure to intervene to protect Afghan women athletes. On Tuesday, the Sports & Rights Alliance hosted a media conference. Earlier in the day, captain of Afghanistan’s national women’s football team Mursal Sadat made an impassioned plea for the world to stand together and combat gender discrimination in sport.
Mursal Sadat, during the briefing, emphasized the importance of leveraging international athletes to stand up for Afghan women. She told me that sometimes, even the smallest gesture can be powerful. Sharing such a video on social media will be an impactful #ActofSolidarity to show Afghans that you stand against gender-based violence.
“Even a short video posted by athletes on social media would be a sign of solidarity against gender-based violence taking place in Afghanistan.” – Mursal Sadat
The plight of Afghan women footballers has gained significant attention since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, which left the women's national team unable to compete internationally. FIFA rules state that official recognition by a national federation is required for participation in international competition. Today, under the Taliban-controlled Afghan Football Federation, women are completely barred from playing football.
In 2020, Afghanistan only had 25 contracted female footballers. Many of these athletes have moved permanently to Australia to avoid the deteriorating situation in their home country. Acknowledging these restrictions and wishing to work with FIFA to address these prohibitive measures, the women’s team does not want to fight against the organization.
Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has spoken out on behalf of Afghan women footballers. He reinforced their demand for FIFA to do more to mitigate these effects. Their team has not lost hope that international sporting organizations will hear their plight and fight for them.
“Our platform is sport – together with everyone, with the media, with individuals, with organisations and with governing bodies and including FIFA because we are not fighting against FIFA or any other organisation,” – Khalida Popal
The Taliban are adamant that local authorities should deal with domestic matters. The international community is rightly feeling more and more like a critical player in achieving gender equality in sports. As the discussions roll on, hopeful eyes are still firmly fixed on getting Afghan women athletes back in action on the world stage.
