Women banned from celebrations as Taliban marks fourth anniversary of Afghanistan takeover
The Taliban banned women from celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2025. Thousands of men gathered in Kabul for 'flower showers' where flowers were scattered from helicopters, but women were prohibited from attending. Three of the six 'flower shower' locations were off-limits to women, who have been barred from parks and recreational areas since November 2022. The Taliban, who seized Afghanistan in August 2021, have imposed strict Islamic law, restricting women's access to education, jobs, and public spaces. The United Afghan Women’s Movement for Freedom staged indoor protests in Takhar province and Islamabad, with women holding signs stating 'Forgiving the Taliban is an act of enmity against humanity' and 'August 15th is a dark day.' International bodies like the ICC have issued arrest warrants for Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity related to women's persecution. The Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, claimed that Islamic law has saved people from corruption and oppression, urging gratitude to Allah for blessings. Afghanistan faces a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate issues, refugee flows, and reduced international aid.