In a powerful show of solidarity with Afghan women, the message "SOS Afghan Women" was projected onto the Eiffel Tower on International Women’s Day, drawing global attention to the plight of women under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

The message was displayed in French, English, Dari, and Pashto, emphasizing the urgent need for action against the Taliban’s continued repression.

Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically stripped Afghan women and girls of their basic rights, including the right to education, employment, and freedom of movement. Girls are banned from secondary schools and universities, effectively erasing them from the education system.

The international community has repeatedly condemned these restrictions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the ban on girls’ education “a violation of fundamental human rights”, while UNESCO labeled it “a systematic attempt to erase Afghan women from public life.” The European Union, United States, and various human rights organizations have also condemned the Taliban’s policies, urging the regime to reverse its oppressive measures.

French authorities and women’s rights activists stressed that the Eiffel Tower projection symbolizes the world’s unwavering support for Afghan women. Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, stated:

"On International Women’s Day, we send a clear message—Afghan women are not forgotten. The fight for their rights continues."

As Afghan women continue to protest against the Taliban’s harsh restrictions, the global call for action grows louder, demanding immediate steps to restore their rights, particularly access to education and employment.