The Depiction of Afghan Women under the Taliban Regime The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis as a Case Study

Abstract

During the Taliban regime, Afghan women were subjected to extreme oppression and discrimination. Basic human rights like: education, work and healthcare, to name but few, Afghan women were deprived of making their lives incredibly challenging. This is due to the Taliban’s misinterpretation of Islamic law and their disregard for human rights making Afghan women often subject to violence and abuse. Accordingly, the present study, addresses the depiction of Afghan women under the Taliban rule in Deborah Ellis’ The Breadwinner providing a poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by women under this oppressive regime. Through the character of Parvana, Ellis takes readers on a harrowing journey of survival, as a young girl and her family navigate the challenges of life in a society where women are denied basic human rights. Hence, the primary aim of this study is to depict the protagonists’ status under the Taliban rule and their struggle against social and political norms to put an end to their discrimination and to correct the image of women in Islam and the rights they enjoy, which they are in fact bereft from under its name. Ellis' vivid and evocative writing captures the strength, resilience, and humanity of the Afghan people, and offers a compelling reminder of the human rights that women are missing to, under the shadow of religion.