1996 - Taliban Seize Power in Afghanistan & Canadians Take Action

After gaining power in Kandahar (1994) and Herat (1995), the Taliban seize power in Kabul. They immediately begin imposing a series of edicts restricting women’s and girls’ freedoms, including shuttering all education for females, barring women from employment, and banning women from leaving home unless accompanied by a male family member.

Canadian journalist Sally Armstrong publishes a groundbreaking article in Homemaker’s magazine following her travel to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Her article describes the horrific situation facing Afghan women and girls and prompts 9,000 concerned Canadians to write to the magazine. Among them are numerous future CW4WAfghan activists, members and chapter founders.

Photo (left): Article in Homemaker’s magazine, 1996