Blue Burka
An anonymous female band from Afghanistan in protest of the Taliban's rules on Islamic dress.
by vicky
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Blue Burka
The Blue Burka band debuted in 2002 a year after the Taliban was overthrown. Though they were overthrown, their power still regrouped across Afghanistan. Due to the timing, the band held such importance toward women's freedom as they were restricted to the point of not even having a voice.
They stayed anonymous due to safety, and wore the blue burqas as a way to rebel against the Taliban's rule on Islamic dress. As for the color blue, they used the specific shade "shuttlecock" which is native to Afghanistan, showing the celebration and honor towards the identity of its people the Taliban are trying to erase.
As mentioned, the first time the Taliban took over Afghanistan it was from 1996-2001. They then took Afghanistan back over in 2021 and still presently hold power. When it comes to the women of the country, there are over 100 decrees affecting women and girls. They have stripped their rights and insitutionalized descrimination against them.
Women must wear full coverage head to toe including their face in public The Mahram rule: All women must be accompanied by a male "guardian" No education past 6th grade Restricted healthcare, medical education and employment Removal of legal equality of men and women
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