Women on the road to their rights in Afghanistan's Herat province

An exercise to defend the rights gained after 20 years of struggle

Three dozen women in front of the governor's office demanded protection of their rights

KABUL: Three dozen women protested in front of the governor's office in Afghanistan's western Herat province over women's rights. The women have called on the new Taliban government to protect women's rights.

Friba Kabarzani, who organized the rally today, said women should also be given political participation in the new government. He said that women should be included in the cabinet, Loya Jirga Arthwa Elder Council. He further said that Afghan women have struggled for the last 20 years to get their rights.

We want the world to hear our voice. We want our rights to be protected. "Even though the Taliban leaders are giving beautiful speeches on TV, we have found that they have started beating women again," said Maryam Ibrahim, another woman who took part in the rally.