Statement by the “Women’s Movements towards Freedom” in Response to the Remarks of Ms. Cheryl Benard Khalilzad on the Situation of Women in Afghanistan

We, the members of the Women Movements towards Freedom, express our deep outrage and sorrow as we strongly condemn the recent remarks made by Ms. Cheryl Benard Khalilzad regarding the situation of women in Afghanistan.

In her article, Ms. Benard claimed that the reality for Afghan women is not as dire as portrayed by the media. Such a statement — made at a time when the Taliban has imposed the most systematic and brutal misogynistic policies against Afghan women over the past two years — is nothing short of a distortion of truth and complicity with human rights violators.

We consider these remarks to be unprecedented, cruel, deeply unjust, and a direct insult to the brave resistance of Afghan women.

With such words, you have effectively aligned yourself with a regime that has banned girls from education, expelled women from their jobs, beaten mothers in the streets, and imprisoned, tortured, and silenced protesting women.

Instead of standing in solidarity with this historic and dignified resistance, you have chosen to echo the rhetoric that legitimizes the oppressors. We view this narrative not as an academic opinion, but as part of a broader effort to erase women from collective memory and official discourse.

We warn you that history does not absolve silence in the face of oppression, and it will not accept the distortion of truth under the guise of intellectualism.

Afghan women are alive, present, and — though their hands are tied — their hearts are free. They continue to carve the path to freedom with their blood, tears, and unwavering determination.

We are their voice, and we will not be silent.

With respect,

Women Movements towards Freedom