Social & Cultural Programs

In Bamyan, where cultural and social poverty is rampant, I was able to play a small part in the fight against this by offering a variety of programs through which both women and men could make speeches, have roundtable discussions, and observe or participate in dance performances, music, theater, and similar activities. Before 2021, these programs created a hopeful atmosphere. People could gather without fear, share ideas, and explore their identities through art and dialogue. Women were active participants and sometimes leaders, which gave them confidence, visibility, and a meaningful voice in public life.

When the Taliban returned in 2021, everything changed. The open cultural environment that had slowly begun to grow was interrupted. Many programs that once flourished were shut down, and those that remained were forced to operate under severe restrictions. This situation is not limited to Bamyan. Across Afghanistan, social and cultural activities have become rare, heavily monitored, or reshaped to avoid anything considered inappropriate. Women, who previously had opportunities for learning, performing, and public engagement, are now almost entirely excluded. If any events still take place, they are small in scale, very limited in content, and restricted in participation.

The difference between before and after 2021 is stark. Where there had been movement, now there is stillness. Where there had been voices, now there is silence. The absence of these programs is not just the loss of events; it is the loss of spaces for expression, connection, and hope. This change is felt in Bamyan and throughout the entire country, leaving many people, especially women, without the opportunities they once had to grow, learn, and participate in public life.

As someone who once organized and led these programs, I feel deeply saddened when I look back on those memories and see what has been lost. The current situation under the Taliban has made life extremely difficult, and the country feels as if it has been pushed into hardship and darkness. I hope that the international community will take meaningful action and work toward solutions that protect people’s rights, restore opportunities, and support a future where cultural and social life can exist again.