PROBLEMATIZING THE VICTIMIZATION OF AFGHAN WOMEN IN MEDIA NARRATIVES AND INVASION DISCOURSE

Abstract

This study calls into question the Western narrative that primarily portrays Afghan women as helpless victims who are in need of rescue, particularly those who are under the rule of the Taliban and following the military intervention of the United States. The study demonstrates how Afghan women have fought against injustice through grassroots movements, legal campaigns, underground education, and media campaigns. It is inspired by transnational feminist theory, online activism, and ethnographic research. As a result of social media campaigns such as #DoNotTouchMyClothes, the world's perceptions of Afghan identity and agency have been reinterpreted. On the other hand, groups like as RAWA and the Afghan Women's Network have been indispensable in documenting abuses and coordinating worldwide solidarity. These studies bring to light the limitations that foreign military operations impose on the advancement of gender equality and call for a shift toward providing assistance to programs that are currently being led by Afghans. It provides support for feminist publications as well as humanistic studies.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science