Facing severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, Afghan women are increasingly finding solace and companionship in artificial intelligence. Since the Taliban’s seizure of power in 2021, they have implemented a series of oppressive measures, severely curtailing women’s independence and freedom.
Lima, an 18-year-old from rural Afghanistan, shared her experience with the BBC, highlighting the role of AI in her daily life. “Reading novels, or chatting with AI, usually, to empty every single word of me – to talk, ask questions, or simply treat as a friend,” she explained. She further elaborated on the AI applications, noting its ability to create virtual characters based on popular figures. “The AI app makes a character of your favourite idol. All the famous people you know you can talk with them or say anything you want. You can ask them questions. You can give yourself a fake hope and make them your friend or family.”
Lima also finds comfort in music, listing Billie Eilish, BTS, Tamino, Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes, and Charlie Puth as her favorite artists. “I spend my day with music. During nights, I think a lot – like a crazy overthinker, about the uncertain future I’ll face.”
The Taliban’s crackdown on women’s rights encompasses several areas:
- Mandatory face coverings for women.
- Restrictions on travel without a male guardian.
- Prohibition of women in public spaces and amusement parks.
- Closure of gyms and fitness centers to women.
- Limitation of girls’ education to the age of 12 or grade 6.
- Bans on women in medical training.
- Permanent closure of women’s radio stations.
- Restriction on the employment of women by national and international non-governmental organizations.
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th globally, passes as an ordinary day in Afghanistan, offering no respite from the Taliban’s oppressive policies.
