KABUL, (AFP) – Rabia Jamal made a difficult decision less than a month after the Taliban marched into the Afghan capital: she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport.
The hazards were obvious, but the 35-year-old mother of three thought she had no option because the Taliban advised women to stay at home for their own safety.
Rabia, who was dressed in a navy blue suit and sporting make-up, added, “I need money to feed my family.”
“At home, I felt tense… I felt terrible,” she told AFP. “I’m feeling a lot better now.”
Only 12 of the more than 80 women who worked at the airport before the Taliban took over Kabul on August 15 have returned to work.
They are, however, among the few women in the city who are permitted to return to work. Most have been ordered not to return until further notice by the Taliban.
On Saturday, six female airport employees stood at the main entrance, talking and joking while waiting to scan and inspect female customers flying domestically.
Qudsiya Jamal, Rabia’s 49-year-old sister, told AFP that the Taliban’s takeover had “shocked” her.
“I was terrified,” said the mother of five and only breadwinner for her family.
“My family was concerned for my safety and advised me not to return, but I am now happy, relaxed, and have had no difficulties thus far.”
Related posts:
The US is willing to work with Pakistan to solve climate change challenges: Kerry, John
Afghan troops who sought shelter in Pakistan were respectfully returned to Afghanistan: ISPR
India broke UN Security Council norms by not inviting Pakistan to a discussion on Afghanistan, according to Munir Akram.
As a major city falls to the Taliban, the United States and the United Kingdom advise residents to flee Afghanistan.
In just five days, the Taliban have taken control of Afghanistan’s eighth province capital.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the international community to solve Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs.
12 US marines were among 60 people killed in a series of blasts at Kabul International Airport.
The last US forces depart Afghanistan, bringing the 20-year conflict to a close.
According to UK Defence Secretary Wallace, the United States is no longer a superpower.
U.S. forces leave Bagram base in Afghanistan
Despite territorial victories, the Taliban will offer the Afghan government with a peace plan.
As the Taliban expand their victories, Afghanistan is rushing soldiers to the border.
