Male protests 2023: Driven by scarcity, restricted by risk

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Afghan Witness

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2023 saw Afghan men engaging in protests driven predominantly by economic concerns, but also in solidarity with women and minorities, risking their personal safety and financial security.

The tailor’s protest in Herat, 22 November 2023. Source: X via Afghan Witness

Though Afghan men have not been stripped of their rights to the same extent as women since the Taliban retook power in 2021, they still exist in a precarious situation under Taliban rule. In 2023, Afghan Witness witnessed fewer male-led demonstrations relative to those that were female-led, men tended to protest when they were affected by the Taliban’s sudden economic policy changes, as well as in solidarity with women and minorities.

Read the full report here.

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