An image of a young woman walking around the streets of Kabul has gone viral, after local Afghans called her a disgrace for showing her legs.
The snap shows a young woman with long dark hair tied back in a ponytail, walking in an upper-middle class district of Kabul. The image, which the photographer posted to Facebook and other social media sites, showed the young woman wearing a purple dress that fell to her knees.
The image managed to spark controversy though as it reveals the young girl’s bare legs.
Under the now viral image, Facebook was flooded with messages from thousands of Afghans and supporters of the Taliban regime, who attacked the woman for her “shameful” clothing choice.
"It is absolutely shameful situation," wrote Hajar Ahmadi.
Another user, Masoud Khan Selab posted two photos of the girl, writing:
"I am not surprised. In our Afghan society everything is possible – three-years-old baby girl has been raped, girls are being missing and founded raped. Families cannot complain about it because prostitution houses are operating freely…”
Another, Zahir Alokozai added:
"A half-naked girl walking in the middle of local people!!! Where is the Islamic government”
While Rameen Hamdard, cited words of warning at the image:
"Our Islamic government is sleeping. They are not awakened yet.”
The image has caused huge controversy in the Islamic state, where women are banned from attending school, are heavily restricted from working outside the home, and even leaving their homes without a male escort. Women are also commonly forced to wear head-to-toe coverings called burqas from societal pressure and are prevented from engaging in politics or speaking publicly under the Taliban regime.
Many critics believe the public outcry reflects the widespread backlash against women in Afghanistan, which was named the most dangerous country to be a woman in the world.
