Mariam

Mariam is a woman whose experiences highlight the challenges faced by women in conflict zones. In Afghanistan, she completed midwifery studies in 2021, coinciding with the Taliban's return to power. Due to Taliban restrictions, she was unable to receive her diploma in a graduation ceremony and has been unable to practice her profession. She uses a pseudonym to protect her identity. Separately, a woman named Mariam in Sudan is a survivor of sexual violence perpetrated by paramilitary forces. She was attempting to flee the conflict when she was attacked. These accounts are newsworthy as they expose the dangers and human rights violations faced by women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict, including restrictions on education and employment, and the prevalence of sexual violence. Her experiences underscore the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect vulnerable populations.