In the wake of the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Afghan men are defying stereotypes and expressing support for women's rights, despite the militant group's regressive policies. While many have refrained from voicing their protest publicly, a recent survey conducted in Afghanistan revealed that a significant percentage of Afghan men, including those who support the Taliban, prioritize basic human rights for women.

According to the survey, which included over 7,500 Afghans with access to mobile and internet services, 66% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that women's human rights should be a top priority for the future of Afghanistan. Surprisingly, nearly half of those individuals (45%) strongly supported the Taliban's control of the country. The findings suggest that the majority of Afghans recognize the importance of women's rights and reject the Taliban's strict regulations on gender roles.

Charli Carpenter, a professor of political science and legal studies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and co-author of the study, emphasized that a vast majority of the Afghan population disapproves of the gender apartheid imposed by the Taliban on women. The survey revealed sweeping support for women's human rights among Afghan men, signifying a stark contrast with the Taliban's policies.

Since taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban has implemented severe restrictions on women's rights and freedoms. These restrictions include a ban on high school and university education for women, exclusion from political participation, and limitations on independent travel without a male guardian. Shockingly, recent data from UNESCO indicates that approximately 1.4 million girls over the age of 12 have been denied access to education, preventing nearly 2.5 million school-age girls (80% of the total) from attending school.

Rahmani, an academic from Afghanistan who advocates for women's rights, underscored the pivotal role women played across sectors in Afghan society, including politics, economics, technology, and academia. Their absence has had a visible impact on the country's overall economy and stability, further emphasizing the importance of prioritizing women's rights.

While anti-Taliban protests in Afghanistan have mostly been led by women, there have been instances in which Afghan men have joined forces with their female family members to demonstrate against the Taliban's restrictions. In Paktika province, men rallied alongside women to demand the reopening of girls' schools. Male students from various provinces walked out of their classes in solidarity with their female counterparts when women were banned from universities. Additionally, education activists like Matiullah Wesa and Ismail Mashal have encouraged men to advocate for women's rights through regular campaigns across the country.

The study also highlighted strong support for women's rights among Afghan fathers, aligning with the "First Daughter" theory established by Western studies. The theory suggests that having an eldest daughter can shape attitudes and behaviors regarding women's rights. Even among Taliban supporters, those who reported having an eldest daughter expressed a stronger inclination towards supporting women's rights, indicating that the Taliban's stance on women's human rights contradicts the broader Afghan population's sentiments.

Mariam Safi, the founding director of the Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies, emphasized that the Taliban's takeover has reinforced patriarchal norms in Afghanistan. While there may be some positive shifts in gender equality perception, the data shows that attitudes among Afghan men have not completely transformed.

Despite the support expressed by Afghan men for women's rights, numerous obstacles remain, including the fear of retaliation from the Taliban. Activists Wesa and Mashal were detained and subjected to torture for their advocacy, as was Zahir, who ran secret schools and was caught by the Taliban. Many men, even if supportive, fear the consequences for their families and feel helpless in their ability to effect change.

In the face of these challenges, efforts to continue educating girls persist through secret and online schools. Zahir's secret school for neighborhood girls continues to hold discreet classes, while Rahmani assists his sister in pursuing her medical course online. Additionally, he explores scholarship opportunities to enable girls in his family to study abroad.

As Afghanistan grapples with the uncertain future brought about by the Taliban's rule, the support of Afghan men for women's rights remains a source of hope and a testament to the resilience and determination of the Afghan people.

Note: The author, Ruchi Kumar, is a journalist who reports on conflict, politics, development, and culture in India and Afghanistan. She can be found on Twitter at @RuchiKumar