Miss Universe 2025 Fatima Bosch has spoken out in support of Afghan women, saying every girl deserves the right to education, freedom and the opportunity to shape her own future.
In a recent Instagram post, Bosch highlighted the stark contrast between her own life and the lives of women living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, where women and girls continue to face sweeping restrictions on their rights and daily lives.
"Every girl deserves education, freedom, and the chance to choose future," she wrote in the caption.
Bosch shared a series of images comparing her life and the experiences of girls attending school in different countries with those of Afghan women and girls. The photos showed Afghan women wearing blue burqas while working, waiting for food aid or living in difficult conditions.
One image carried the message: "Meanwhile, on the other side of the world... there is a woman just like me, with the same abilities, the same dreams, the same work ethic. She may even be a better person than I am. The only difference is that she's in a refugee camp and has no voice."
Since the Taliban returned to power on August 15, 2021, women and girls in Afghanistan have faced increasing restrictions on their rights. They have been barred from secondary schools and universities, prevented from entering parks, gyms, beauty salons and many other public places, and face limits on employment, travel and public participation.
The Taliban also dissolved the Ministry of Women's Affairs and replaced it with institutions responsible for enforcing the new restrictions.
In March 2022, authorities required women to be accompanied by a 'mahram', or close male guardian, when visiting health centres. Female health workers were also instructed to bring a male guardian to work.
Women have also been banned from appearing on television, while female journalists have been ordered to cover their faces on air. By late 2022, women were prohibited from attending universities and working for non-governmental organisations.
According to a United Nations report published in August 2025, more than 78% of Afghan women are not in education, employment or training. The report also said women in Afghanistan are living shorter and less healthy lives because of the ongoing restrictions.
The UN said that since 2021, nearly 100 decrees limiting the movement, participation and rights of women and girls have been introduced and enforced, with none of them reversed so far.
Bosch's message has drawn attention to the continuing struggles of Afghan women and renewed calls for the international community to support their rights and freedoms.
Source: NDTV