Afghanistan Marks Fourth Anniversary of Taliban Rule Amid Women's Rights Protests

On August 15, 2025, Afghanistan marked the fourth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power with public celebrations in Kabul. The events featured aerial flower displays from Defense Ministry helicopters and speeches by key Cabinet members. Notably, women were barred from participating, underscoring the regime's ongoing restrictions on women's rights.

Since seizing control in August 2021, the Taliban have enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law, imposing sweeping limitations on women and girls. These include bans on education beyond the sixth grade, most forms of employment, and access to many public spaces. The exclusion of women from the anniversary celebrations reflects the regime's continued commitment to these policies.

The anniversary was also marked by protests from Afghan women's rights groups, both within Afghanistan and in neighboring countries. In Takhar province, members of the United Afghan Women's Movement for Freedom staged an indoor protest, declaring August 15 a "dark day" and expressing their ongoing resistance to the Taliban's policies.

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada made a public statement urging gratitude for Islamic rule and warning of divine punishment for ingratitude. He emphasized religious education, the construction of more mosques, and preserving Afghanistan’s Islamic identity.

Afghanistan continues to face severe humanitarian struggles, exacerbated by climate change, mass deportations, and declining international aid. Nearly 10 million people face acute food insecurity, and one in three children is stunted. The Taliban's consolidation of power has also led to increased diplomatic engagements, with Russia becoming the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government in July 2025.

In July 2025, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the acceptance of credentials from Afghanistan's newly appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan, stating that the recognition would foster "productive bilateral cooperation" in areas such as security, counter-terrorism, and economic development.

This move has been viewed as a strategic effort by Russia to expand its influence in Central Asia and to engage with the Taliban on issues of mutual interest, including counter-terrorism and economic cooperation. However, it has also raised concerns about the normalization of relations with a regime that has been widely criticized for its human rights record, particularly regarding women's rights.

The fourth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power serves as a critical juncture to assess the profound changes in Afghanistan's political, social, and humanitarian landscape. The exclusion of women from public celebrations, ongoing humanitarian crises, and shifting international diplomatic stances underscore the complex and evolving challenges facing the nation.