The Taliban are back in power in Afghanistan. All women will be removed from government or other positions of power. Women and girls will be forbidden to go to school, or to get any education beyond reading and writing. Girls who can do simple mathematics or know where foreign countries are on a map will be punished, and their parents will be punished. Women will be forced to wear face coverings – not N95 masks – and not appear in public without a male relative.

Now we are waiting for #MeToo, NOW, and other feminist organizations to speak up for the women and girls of Afghanistan. But we are not holding our breaths. Lack of oxygen is a serious problem that may endanger life. Lack of courage is also a serious problem that may endanger life.

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