Mina Sohail opened Simple Cafe in Kabul to give women a safe space to mingle. But since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan again, women say they're no more protected today than in 2001.
We followed Mina for a day before the Taliban retook Kabul.
We followed Mina for a day before the Taliban retook Kabul.
Mina designed Simple Cafe in the heart of Kabul to give women a safe space to go with no restrictions. That means no required head covering and the freedom to come alone and mingle with men.
Mina never would have been able to own her own business under Taliban rule.
Half of Mina's employees are female. She knows how hard it is for them to find work in Afghanistan, where only 22% of women have jobs — one of the lowest rates in the world.
Half of Mina's employees are female. She knows how hard it is for them to find work in Afghanistan, where only 22% of women have jobs — one of the lowest rates in the world.
Things started changing for women after the US toppled the Taliban in 2001. They joined the Afghan army, could go to yoga classes, and own businesses like Simple Cafe.
This time around some Taliban leaders have officially said women will have rights, but within the framework of Islamic Sharia law.
But reports are emerging from newly captured areas that women are already being forced to marry Taliban fighters and are being publicly flogged for violating the rules. businessinsider.com/taliban-rules-…
While the Biden administration has promised to provide civilian and humanitarian assistance in the future, many still feel abandoned by the US government.
https://twitter.com/InsiderIntl/status/1430279837734903811
Since the Taliban took over, Mina has been in hiding and Simple Cafe is now closed. She plans to flee the country as she fears that dark times are ahead for Afghan women.
Follow @InsiderNews for more stories from Afghanistan.
https://twitter.com/InsiderNews/status/1428734286212091910
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