In a striking statement that has sent shockwaves around the world, Hollywood icon Meryl Streep highlighted the severe oppression faced by women in Afghanistan, claiming that even cats enjoy greater freedoms than Afghan women. This provocative remark was made on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where Streep passionately appealed to the international community for immediate action against the Taliban's draconian measures.

Streep elaborated on the shocking reality in Afghanistan, noting, "Today in Kabul, a female cat has more freedom than a woman. A cat may sit on her front stoop, feeling the sun on her face, while a girl is confined to her home." Her comments came in the wake of new "morality laws” introduced by the Taliban, which include the silencing of women's voices in public spaces and prohibiting them from looking directly at men who are not family members.

The Afghan regime's crackdown on women has intensified since they regained control of the country three years ago. Women are forced to cover themselves completely in public and face significant barriers to education, employment, and even leisure activities. Parks and gyms have become off-limits, further entrenching a culture of fear and repression.

Streep's criticism resonates in a broader context, emphasizing not only the plight of Afghan women but also serving as a cautionary tale for global society regarding the repercussions of suppressing half the population. At the same event, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored that a nation cannot thrive without the involvement of its women, declaring that Afghanistan cannot reclaim its place on the global stage without educated women actively participating in society.

In response to the backlash against their new regulations, a Taliban spokesman asserted that they "highly respect" women's roles in society, citing instances of women reportedly working in various ministries and as entrepreneurs. However, critics argue that these claims are mere attempts to mask the systematic oppression women face daily.

Western powers, particularly the United States and the European Union, have condemned the Taliban's recent actions but have yet to see substantial changes on the ground. The regime has reiterated its commitment to align the education system with Islamic Sharia law, claiming that girls will be welcomed back into schools once conditions are deemed appropriate. Unfortunately, a path to real progress remains undiscovered, with no tangible changes thus far.

As the world watches, Meryl Streep's words echo a plea for urgent action – urging global leaders to recognize and combat the ongoing "slow suffocation" of women and girls in Afghanistan, reminding us that the fight for equality knows no borders. The clickbait question remains: Will the international community finally heed the call to protect the rights of Afghan women, or will they continue to languish in silent despair?