In 2021, the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan, dragging the country back into a brutal theocratic regime that strips women of their rights and forces them into a life of systematic oppression. Yet even in the face of this darkness, there are heroines who rise—women who risk everything to resist, refusing to be silenced.
“Bread & Roses” captures this fight with unflinching honesty. Produced by Jennifer Lawrence and Malala Yousafzai, the documentary offers an intimate, raw look at the unbreakable spirit of these women. It’s a story of courage that refuses to falter, hope that burns brighter in the darkest moments, and a relentless pursuit of justice that proves one truth: freedom is worth the fight. This film doesn’t just tell their story—it demands the world listen.
With this article, we highlight the courageous resistance of these women and shed light on the harrowing challenges they face in their daily lives.
Bread and Roses: Why True Life Is About More Than Just Bread
The slogan “Bread and Roses” gained worldwide recognition in 1912 through the iconic strike of textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, known as the Bread and Roses Strike.
These women were not only fighting for higher wages and shorter working hours but also for better living conditions and the respect they deserved. The phrase itself reflects this dual struggle: “Bread” stands for basic needs like food and shelter, while “Roses” symbolize dignity, freedom, and the right to a fulfilling life. Their strike was more than a labor dispute—it became a powerful call for a life that goes beyond mere survival.
Women’s Rights Under the Taliban: A Life Marked by Fear and Oppression
100 years later, women like Zahra, Sharifa, and Taranom – the heroines of Bread & Roses – are still enduring the relentless oppression imposed upon them by the Taliban.
While researching the restrictions imposed on women since 2021, I kept asking myself the same questions: Do these men feel even a shred of empathy or honor? How can they justify their actions? Do they love their mothers, sisters, and wives so little—or do they simply see women as inferior?
See for yourself and take a look at the laws that have governed women’s lives since 2021:
Ban on Secondary and Higher Education
Girls in Afghanistan are barred from attending secondary schools and universities, effectively denying them the chance to pursue advanced education. This policy not only stifles their personal and professional growth but also entrenches gender inequality, robbing future generations of progress and opportunity.
Prohibition from Working with NGOs
Afghan women are forbidden from working in non-governmental organizations, stripping them of financial independence and silencing their contributions. This ban disrupts critical services in health and education, sectors where women’s roles were indispensable.
Mandatory Full-Body Coverings
Women are required to wear full-body coverings like the burqa in public, leaving them no control over their appearance. This mandate denies them personal freedom and enforces a culture where women are rendered invisible.
Restrictions on Movement
A male guardian must accompany women who travel more than 45 miles (72 kilometers), effectively trapping many in their homes. This restriction drastically limits their access to education, work, and healthcare, reinforcing a cycle of dependency and exclusion.
Ban on Public Speaking and Singing
Women are silenced in public, forbidden from speaking loudly or singing. This policy erases their voices and reflects the Taliban’s intent to suppress female presence and expression in every sphere of life.
Prohibition from Parks and Gyms
Women are banned from parks, gyms, and other public spaces, cutting them off from recreation and socialization. This isolation erodes their mental and physical well-being, leaving them without crucial outlets for community and health.
Closure of Beauty Salons
The forced shutdown of beauty salons—many of which were run by women—has devastated livelihoods and removed a rare space where women could gather freely. These closures symbolize the Taliban’s systematic effort to erase women’s independence and agency.
Prohibition from Studying Nursing and Midwifery
Afghan women are barred from pursuing careers in nursing or midwifery, roles vital to healthcare. This decision exacerbates an already crumbling healthcare system, leaving female patients especially vulnerable.
Requirement for Male Guardians in Public
Women must be accompanied by a male guardian whenever they appear in public, a rule that strips them of autonomy and imposes significant barriers to their education, employment, and social participation.
Ban on Windows Overlooking Women’s Areas
New buildings are now constructed without windows facing areas where women might be present, further isolating them from the world. This architectural segregation is a stark reminder of the Taliban’s oppressive gender apartheid.
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