When Taliban fighters entered the cities of Afghanistan after hostilities were put on hold for Eid, some women took photos. A symbol of female resistance, the images quickly went viral

One of the longest wars of our generation took an unexpected turn last month. The Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan accepted the government’s call for a three-day ceasefire during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr.

For the first time in years, Taliban fighters – known for their brutality on the frontline of the spiralling conflict – entered the capital, Kabul, and other urban centres in Afghanistan and socialised with the locals.

They marched through the streets of Kabul with their flags, hugging civilians, offering Eid prayers alongside the security forces, and even enjoying a scoop of the city’s best ice creams. Many civilians went up to the fighters, welcoming them, engaging in conversation about peace and taking selfies. Missing from most of these images of brotherhood and bonhomie were the Afghan women who have been among the worst victims of past Taliban atrocities.

Amid the swirl of excitement, hope and fear, however, a few women did make their presence felt during the ceasefire celebrations. Kabul, Baghlan and Jalalabad were among several cities where a handful of women not only joined the predominantly male celebrations, but also took selfies with the Taliban fighters.

The resulting photos, which show conservative, extremist fighters alongside determined and progressive Afghan women, went viral on social media.

One picture, taken by the Afghan photojournalist Farzana Wahidy, resonated especially profoundly with women and men alike. In it, Wahidy is seen with a few Taliban fighters. Her eyes are defined with green eyeliner, and a headscarf of similar colour lightly covers her fringe. It is a look that would earn her the ire of the Taliban were they in control. Instead, the fighters stand next to her smiling meekly in a photo that has become a symbol of resistance.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Farzana Wahidy with Taliban fighters. Photograph: Farzana Wahidy

“I think the Taliban’s views of women have changed over the years. Earlier, under their own government, they threatened the women and mistreated them, but now they seem to be open to women’s freedoms to an extent,” said Hanifa Majid, 50.

Majiid, an employee of the municipal department in Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of the northern province of Baghlan, joined the city’s men in welcoming the Taliban. Such a scene would once have been unthinkable: under the Taliban regime of the late 1990s, it is believed that women were not even allowed to be photographed.



“At first, I was scared to approach the fighters,” said Majid. “I had carried flowers in my hand as a gesture of peace, but as soon as I got closer I saw the fatigue in their eyes, and I knew they were as tired of the war just as much as we were.”

Much to her surprise, as Majid got closer, the fighters greeted her respectfully and accepted her peace offering. Emboldened by the turn of events, she took the opportunity to talk to them about ending the conflict, while also grabbing a few quick photos. “It was surreal and I couldn’t believe it was really happening,” she said.

For many other women, though, seeing the Taliban on their streets again brought back painful memories of restrictions and punishments.

“I spent the Taliban years in Panjshir [a northern province that resisted Taliban accession], but we often visited relatives in Kabul and I remember when my mother and I were flogged by the Taliban police because we were outside the house without a male escort,” said Sadia Tajali, a 24-year-old student.

Even though she was only a child during the Taliban years, she has memories of witnessing many floggings and punishments administered against women who had failed to comply with strict rules on clothing, movement and education.

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“I was scared and shaking [with fear and anger] when I saw the photos and videos of them roaming around in Kabul again.

“But I really admire those women who went out, with makeup, without a hijab or male family member, and took selfies with the Taliban who used to persecute them for these things.”

Although the Taliban refused to extend the ceasefire, and the government officially declared it over on Saturday, the selfies have given women hope.

Lima Ahmad, an academic specialising in women and international security, said the images have “mobilised and empowered other women, showing them it is possible for them to face the Taliban”.

Ahmad has long campaigned for the need to include women and safeguard their rights in any peace talks with the insurgents. The prospect of facing the Taliban across a table had nonetheless seemed unimaginable – until now.

“Watching Farzana, I felt very relieved, because it meant that I could join the negotiation table with the Taliban and protect the rights of women without having to give up on how I look and my beliefs,” she said.

Majid added: “Women make up half of this society; how would it be possible to maintain peace without including us?”