Women demonstrate in Kabul, demanding government representation.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Women in Afghanistan protested in Kabul, seeking participation in the government, in a rare action.

Equal rights for women, as well as participation in politics and business, are among the demands of the protesting women.

The Taliban militants, on the other hand, did not intervene in the demonstration.

Enamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban’s culture council, has stated that the Taliban does not want women to be “victims,” and that “they should participate in the government structure according to Sharia law.”

“The government structure is not completely apparent,” he added, “but based on experience, there should be a totally Islamic leadership and all factions should participate.”

He stated, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not want women to remain victims any more.” “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is prepared to offer women with a safe environment in which to work and study, as well as the inclusion of women in various (government) institutions in conformity with Islamic law and our cultural values.”

That would be a significant change from the Taliban’s previous rule, when women were mostly restricted to their homes. Samangani didn’t elaborate on what he meant by Islamic law, suggesting that everyone was already aware of the norms. He went on to say that a government should include “all sides.”

Women were generally restricted to their houses under Taliban control, and were only permitted outside if escorted by a male family member.