Two Afghan sisters, now living in Germany, recount their harrowing experiences during the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan and their fight for women’s rights amidst oppression.

Five years after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, the memories of chaos and fear remain vivid for many who lived through the upheaval. Sisters Zarmine and Tamana Paryani, who fled to Germany through an evacuation program, recall the day Kabul fell and the profound impact it had on their lives. For Tamana, the images of desperate crowds at the airport and the collapse of a nation are among the most painful and haunting memories she carries.

On August 15, 2021, Kabul descended into turmoil as thousands fled to the capital seeking refuge from advancing Taliban forces. Zarmine, a midwife working a night shift at a hospital, witnessed the city in disarray as she attempted to return home. Streets were filled with panicked crowds, taxis refused to stop, and the sense of impending doom was palpable. By the end of the day, the government had collapsed, and the Taliban assumed control, marking the beginning of a new era of repression and uncertainty.

Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan has seen widespread violence, hunger, and severe restrictions on freedoms, particularly for women and girls. Education for girls beyond the sixth grade has been banned, universities are closed to women, and many are barred from working or participating in public life. Despite these challenges, Zarmine and Tamana joined other women in protesting against the regime, refusing to accept the erasure of their rights. Their story highlights the resilience of those who continue to fight for justice in the face of oppression.