Kabul: Since last week's deadly bombing of an education center in Kabul, women's protests in Afghanistan have been more frequent, with activists claiming the ongoing protests in Iran have given them more confidence.

Teen students taking practice college exams were the target of the blast at the Kaj Education Center in Dasht-e-Barchi, Afghanistan's capital.

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In the examination hall where about 500 children were seated, a suicide bomber detonated a device, killing at least 43 people and injuring 83. Girls from the Hazara community, often targeted by terrorists, are the majority of the victims.

Women activists have mobilized to protest against nationwide restrictions on women and minorities, along with the ongoing violence since the September 30 attack.

Although the protests were quelled by Taliban officials, who have restricted women's rights since seizing power in August 2021, dozens of protesters gathered in Kabul and Herat, Bamyan, Balkh, Nangarhar and Ghazni provinces. performed at the last minute. six days.

I am glad that women across the country are with us in condemning the attack on Hazara girl students in Kabul. According to Razia Mohseni, 34, an Afghan women's rights activist who spoke to Arab News, I would ask my other sisters and brothers to follow the same.

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“We are also inspired by the recent protests in Iran. Iranian women and American women experience almost the same issues. Women must come together to raise their voices across the country and beyond. Together, we succeed.

In neighboring Iran, the nationwide protests that began in mid-September have been the most significant display of discontent in more than a decade.

Mahsa Amini, 22, died while being apprehended by Iranian ethics police, leading to protests that have now spread to all 31 provinces in Iran. Ethnic and religious minorities have joined in despite violent retaliation from the government.

According to 26-year-old Nangarhar activist Zermina Sharifi, the Iranian protest is a "symbol of resistance and awakening" for Afghan women.

“While on our way to school, our sisters were killed in the attack on the Kaj Education Center in Kabul. We condemn the heinous attack, but we also stand with our female counterparts. We request that the schools and students be cleared by the authorities. be protected.

The women claim they should raise their voices as security forces dispersed protesters because since September last year, protests in Afghanistan have required permission from the Justice Ministry.

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"We must speak out about the murder of our sisters. We demand protection and rights. By speaking up for the oppressed, we are not breaking any law, Hafiza Jami, a student at the University of Herat, told Arab News.

“Women should be able to live without fear in Iran and Afghanistan. That is the main focus of our protest. Living together gives us strength in difficult times.