Yet again, Afghan women are being left behind by the international community

The latest restriction? The World Cup

Life has been uncertain for Women in Afghanistan since the Taliban take over in 2021. Conflict, exile, misogyny and xenophobia - as one hurdle is overcome, another arises.

The latest trials of this sexist purgatory has been faced by the Women’s National Football Team from Afghanistan. The team has faced numerous challenges and obstacles over the years due to the political and social situation, and it doesn’t stop even now they’ve left the conflict zone.

Since 2021, the team have been living as refugees after fleeing and escaping their countries for fear they would be arrested. Shortly after the women fled their homeland, the Taliban banned women and girls from playing sport entirely.

The national team have since not been officially recognised, and now these players are completely unable to play in any international competition. So even after fleeing the Taliban, their legacy continues to limit these women’s right to participate.

This hasn’t gone unnoticed. In a recent turn of events, over 100 powerful advocates have written to the Fifa president (Gianni Infantino) to ask he ensures the women from Afghanistan are able to complete internationally.

FIFA has so far ignored pleas from the Afghan Women’s team as well as the UK Government to officially recognise the team and allow participation in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

We think it’s about time that power, participation and representation are shared with the women of Afghanistan, in all forms.

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Play suspended for Afghan women

Yet again, Afghan women are being left behind by the international community