Afghanistan rights protest held in Ferrara

Approximately one hundred people gathered in front of the cathedral in Ferrara to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan, five years after the Taliban returned to power.

Speakers at the event highlighted the severe restrictions placed on women and girls, including the prohibition of education for those over 12 and the requirement of a male guardian, or 'mahram', for movement and work. These restrictions pose significant risks to healthcare access, as women often require female medical professionals, yet the pool of trained female staff is shrinking due to educational bans.

Francesca Borciani, who worked for the NGO Emergency in Kabul, reported that while the organization continues to operate in several centers, the regime's limitations make professional training for women increasingly difficult. She noted that maternal mortality remains a critical issue, with many mothers dying during childbirth due to complications or inability to reach hospitals in time.