Afghan Witness reflects on some of the key takeaways of the project’s event on 21 November 2023 with Shaharzad Akbar, Francesca Gentile and Nina Jankowicz. How has online abuse affected Afghan women and what can be done about it?

Social media has provided a crucial platform for Afghan women since the Taliban takeover, but a new investigation by Afghan Witness reveals how those who dare to speak out are facing a torrent of abuse online. The impacts are devastating for women’s political participation – both online and off.

As news of Zholia Parsi’s alleged arrest surfaced, Afghan Witness monitored the online response.

Clashes leave religious buildings and civilian property destroyed, thousands displaced and many casualties

While the protest garnered widespread support on social media, the women involved were also targeted with a range of criticism and hate speech.

Afghan women and girls are seeking education opportunities outside of Afghanistan – but for many, numerous obstacles stand in their way.

Report by Afghan Witness details more than 3,000 claims of human rights violations in Afghanistan under Taliban rule

Verifiable videos circulated online showing the Taliban using a water cannon and gunfire into the air to disperse protesters.

At least 20 killed by airstrikes, arson and close range bullets in Pinlaung Township

A series of violent events in Sagaing

Before the Taliban’s takeover, Gawhar had been preparing for university. Now she spends her days as a carpet weaver in Pakistan.

Interviews with women in the sector reveal that some organisations have replaced their female directors with men to allow operations to continue, while one president of a women-focused NGO says she is using her personal savings to keep office doors open.