The Taliban reacted by sending military vehicles to various larger cities to deter protests and, in some cases, used water cannons, gunfire into air and physical violence against protesters.

Local sources in Faryab told AW that women in the province had been banned from amusement parks, gyms, female public baths, and eating at local restaurants without a Mahram.

In late October, women showcased their academic documents in a Kabul park to protest the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s access to education and work. The women claim the Taliban intimidated them and tore their papers, and journalists were reportedly dispersed and temporarily detained. On November 3, it was reported that the Taliban detained one of the women protesters during a press conference.

In footage, a Taliban member can be seen striking the gathered students, who are recorded hitting and kicking the gates in protest.

Afghan Witness spoke to two women who planned to continue their studies in Qatar and Kyrgyzstan, but say the Taliban prevented them and other female students from boarding a Doha-bound flight. Both women's names have been changed to protect their identities.

Since the Taliban’s return last August, the group has demonstrated determination to regulate, shape, and control access to education in Afghanistan.

Afghan Witness assesses how the Taliban’s return has impacted women’s access to education and employment, their freedom of movement and dress, and their ability to access support services.

In Afghanistan, girls’ secondary schools have been closed for 300 days and counting, but the country’s teenage girls - assisted by an international army of volunteers led by Angela Ghayour - are finding other ways to learn.

Two women share their experiences of being detained by the Taliban while protesting the takeover.

While the Taliban have said hijab is not compulsory, there have been widespread efforts to implement it.

A detailed investigation into the death of a female protestor in Mandalay on 03 March 2021.

A detailed investigation into the death of a female protestor in Yangon on 28 Feb 2021.