Taliban’s Internet Ban Crushes Afghan Women’s Last Hope
Title: Nationwide Internet Blackout in Afghanistan: A Blow to Education and Economy
In the wake of the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, the dreams and aspirations of many Afghan women have faced increasing obstacles. One of them, Fahima Noori, who pursued law and midwifery, found her ambitions stifled under the new regime. As opportunities for women dwindled, the internet became her last hope for education and employment—until this lifeline was cut when the Taliban imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, effective indefinitely.
Internet Blackout in Afghanistan: Shattering Dreams and Disconnecting Lives
The Taliban’s latest move has severed fiber-optic connections across several provinces, justified as a means to prevent “immorality.” Netblocks, an internet watchdog, confirmed a “total internet blackout,” which has crippled essential services and isolated the nation. This disruption has even affected mobile internet and satellite TV, leaving citizens in the dark.
As per international reports, communication with offices in Kabul has been lost, and local media suggest flights from Kabul airport have been disrupted. The collapse of connectivity has not only thwarted daily life but also dashed educational hopes.
Women and Education: A Stymied Struggle
Many Afghan women, like Fahima and her sisters, had turned to online education as a beacon of hope. “Our last hope was online learning. Now, that dream is destroyed,” Fahima shared. The Taliban’s strict interpretation of Sharia law has already removed books written by women from universities and banned courses on human rights and sexual harassment.
Shakiba, from the northern province of Tahkar, echoed similar sentiments. “We want to study. We want to be educated. We want to help others in the future. The internet was our only hope,” she explained.
Impacts on Businesses and Teachers
The internet shutdown has not only affected students but also teachers and businesses. Zabi, an English teacher in eastern Afghanistan, was conducting lessons online due to restrictions on educational institutions. With classes of 70 to 80 students preparing for IELTS exams online, the disconnection disrupted their progress.
Zabi expressed his frustrations, “Without the internet, my students can’t prepare for official exams. Their opportunity was lost when the connection broke during an exam.”
Similarly, Anas, a money changer in Takhar province, reports that his business has suffered a 90% impact. Data-dependent operations and communications stalled as the internet vanished.
The Financial Burden of Connectivity
Prior to this shutdown, connectivity options were already limited. Mobile data plans, one of the few remaining options, are costly. At 3,500 Afghani ($50) for 100GB, compared to Wi-Fi’s 1,000 Afghani, many cannot afford feasible online access. Afghan per capita income further underscores this challenge, restricting usage and complicating life-saving connections.
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Futures
While the Taliban promised an alternative internet route, details remain undisclosed. Fahima, Zabi, and countless other Afghan citizens hope for restoration, fearing extended disconnection will further curtail their futures. The halt in progress leaves a once-hopeful nation in a state of uncertainty.
