Afghan Women Turn to Dangerous Cyber Activities Amid Taliban Ban – Global Issues
Jul 30 (IPS) – The Taliban’s complete ban on women’s employment in Afghanistan leaves few ways to earn a living. Nevertheless, Afghan women are creating niches in online business with great determination and perseverance.
The situation remains challenging. Obtaining permits is difficult, and online businesses involving foreign exchange are considered haram – a crime, under sharia law. Women must also rely on a mahram—a male relative or husband—at every step of the process, facing the risk of arrest and torture if they break these rules.
Ten women were interviewed for this article. Some have found online jobs, while others have started online businesses.
Anoshe has been selling hygiene and cosmetic products online for over a year. He previously worked as a government official to the government of the Republic of Afghanistanbut after the Taliban took over in 2021 he was forced to stay at home and decided to import goods from a neighboring country to sell online to support himself and his family.
Although he did not have permission, he put up some of his money as collateral to be honest with the seller. “I waited two months to get my orders from Iran, I was afraid it was a scam,” he said.
The goods finally arrived, allowing him to start his business, although challenges continued. Anoshe hopes that the Taliban will realize the benefits for the entire country of allowing women to do business in this way, rather than creating obstacles.
Masouda, another online retailer, has faced frustration and fraud. He was robbed twice due to lack of official permission but succeeded in his third attempt. “If I could get a job that pays 5,000 Afghanis, I would never work online – it’s a headache,” he says.
“In the beginning, I couldn’t even pay my expenses,” he complained. “I paid my internet bill out of pocket and spent hours talking to customers patiently pitching my products”. Masouda’s brother manages the delivery to hide his identity from the Taliban.
Mohammad Mohsen and his colleagues tried to start a non-profit organization to support women in the Internet business, but their efforts failed when the Taliban saw the name of a woman among the leadership of the organization, and refused their permission.
“In order to get permission, women can no longer work alone. A male family member must join to ensure that their efforts are not in vain,” said Mohsen.
For many Afghan women, earning a living is their main job, especially since family members have migrated, making their situation worse.
Twenty-three-year-old Neelam, whose sister and father were her only source of financial support and who both left the country after the arrival of the Taliban, now works from home. After jumping through many hoops, he found a job online. Despite the dangers of arrest and torture, he accepts the opportunity.
“We work like thieves in this market,” said Neelam. “If the Taliban learn anything about us, they will arrest and torture us. That’s why we use pseudonyms in everything we do.”
© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
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