Hila Najibullah Warns of Misleading Portrayal of Afghan Women’s Situation
Hila Najibullah, daughter of former Afghan President Dr. Najibullah, responded critically to recent remarks by Saad Mohseni, head of the Moby Media Group, stating that an inaccurate image of Afghan women’s conditions is being presented in international dialogues. She emphasized that some male figures and media officials at global forums speak as though the status of women has not significantly changed since the republic era and that they enjoy freedom—claims that, according to her, do not align with current realities.
Najibullah pointed out that under Taliban rule, women in Afghanistan face extensive restrictions, interrogations, and pressures, but this situation is not accurately reflected on the international stage. She recalled that a female Afghan UN employee was recently killed and that girls remain deprived of their right to education—issues that, in her view, highlight a deep gap between on-the-ground realities and the narratives presented outside the country.
She also referred to reports from Herat indicating that women have been questioned and scrutinized based on their style of dress. She mentioned that similar incidents have been reported in other provinces, demonstrating that the restrictions are not limited to just one area.
Hila Najibullah described Saad Mohseni’s perspective as reflecting the views of an Afghan man residing abroad with a privileged position, adding that Afghan women themselves are absent from such international discussions to provide a direct account of their lives and challenges. She stressed that without the presence and participation of women, no portrayal of their situation can be complete or accurate.
Moreover, Najibullah cited historical examples and political figures from different periods, noting that experiences of restrictions and double standards towards women have existed at various times, but the current circumstances require a more precise and responsible representation globally.
These remarks come in response to Saad Mohseni’s recent statements claiming that in Afghan cities, women enjoy freedoms such as driving and moving around without mandatory hijab, and that there is no significant difference from the republic era—a claim that has now met with critical response from Hila Najibullah.
