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We do not accept the Taliban as the rulers of our country: Madina Darwazi
This interview was published by Zan Times and translated into English by Rustam Seerat
Madina Darwazi is considered one of the influential figures in the women’s protest movement against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Already a victim of a forced marriage, as well as social traditions, and the patriarchy in Afghanistan, she experienced the violence meted out by the Taliban in the streets as well as their torture in notorious detention centres. After her release, Darwazi had to flee to Pakistan, where she endured harassment and humiliation by its police. Eventually, she obtained asylum in Norway where she continues her campaign against the Taliban’s ideology and anti-women regime with unwavering determination.
Zan Times interviewed Madina Darwazi about her experiences, her campaign, and her hopes. Note: This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Zan Times: Tell us about your life before the Taliban took power in Afghanistan.
Madina Darwazi: I am 28 years old. During the first period of Taliban rule [1996–2001], we were forced to leave the country because my father was a teacher and he believed in the education of female students. I was 16 when we returned to Afghanistan. We…
