Work

Revolution Beneath the Burqa: Afghan Women’s Grassroots Resistance and A Goal of Sustainable Change Under the Taliban (1990s-2000s)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This case study examines two juxtaposing initiatives; The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) and Beauty Without Borders, and their differing approaches to addressing systemic oppression and empowering Afghan women post-Taliban takeover in 1996. RAWA employs a grassroots model while Beauty Without Borders, a Western-led initiative, emphasizes beautification. The study considers RAWA’s effectiveness in addressing structural inequalities while highlighting the limitations of externally driven programs like Beauty Without Borders. This analysis contributes to understanding how grassroots movements can achieve sustainable systemic change, while the West’s continuous misinterpretation of cultures and lifestyles different from their own has perpetuated failed humanitarian efforts who provide women with, for example; a MAC lipstick in an effort to provide some sort of substitute for their lack of literacy.

Source: Fordham Research Commons (Fordham University)

Author: Stover, Ava

Institution: Fordham University

Language: English

Topic: Politics and Conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Middle East

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7024520577

FWCI:

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