Helmand, Afghanistan (The COW News Digital) Taliban authorities in Helmand province have arrested a young Afghan girl who disguised herself as a boy to work and support her family, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by women under the group’s restrictive rule.
The 13-year-old girl, identified as Nuriya, had been working for the past three years at a local café under the name “Noor Ahmad.” According to international media reports, Nuriya assumed a male identity to navigate severe economic hardship after the death of her father, who had been the primary provider for the family.
In a video that quickly circulated on social media, Nuriya explained that she had no choice but to adopt male clothing in order to earn a living and provide for her family. “I tried to hide my identity, but eventually my secret was discovered, and I was taken into custody,” she said.
Her arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on women’s rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power. Restrictions on female education, employment, and mobility have left thousands of women without access to basic opportunities and livelihoods. Government and private sectors alike have been largely off-limits for women, forcing many to rely on informal or hidden work to survive.
The case has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many expressing outrage over the harsh measures that prevent women from legally earning a living. Advocates and international observers argue that Nuriya’s story underscores the extreme vulnerability of Afghan girls and women under current policies.
Experts note that while Nuriya’s actions were driven by necessity and survival, her arrest reflects a broader systemic issue: the denial of economic and social rights to women. It also highlights the lengths to which families may go to sustain themselves when official avenues for female employment are closed.
Human rights organizations continue to call for urgent reforms to ensure that Afghan girls and women can access education, work, and mobility without fear of punishment. Nuriya’s case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of rigid restrictions and the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Afghanistan.
