Under the Taliban’s rule, Afghan women have been stripped of their rights and freedoms, leaving many in isolation. In the face of these harsh restrictions, some have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) as a source of companionship and emotional support.
Lima, an 18-year-old from rural Afghanistan, shared her experience with the BBC, explaining how AI has become a part of her daily routine.
“I spend my mornings reading novels or chatting with AI, using it as a friend to talk to, ask questions, or simply share my thoughts,” she said.
Lima described AI applications that create virtual characters based on well-known personalities, allowing users to engage in conversations with digital versions of their idols. “You can talk to them, ask them anything, and for a moment, pretend they are your friends or family,” she added.
Apart from AI, Lima finds comfort in music. She spends hours listening to her favorite artists, including Billie Eilish, BTS, Tamino, Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes, and Charlie Puth. But despite these small escapes, she remains anxious about her future. “At night, I overthink a lot—about everything that lies ahead,” she admitted.
Harsh Realities for Afghan Women
Since reclaiming power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women’s rights, virtually erasing them from public life. Some of the oppressive measures include:
- Mandatory face coverings for women.
- Prohibition from traveling without a male guardian.
- Bans on entering parks, gyms, and fitness centers.
- Education limited to girls under 12, with secondary schooling and higher education banned.
- Women barred from medical training and working in NGOs.
- Permanent closure of women-led radio stations.
While the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, Afghan women continue to live under these oppressive conditions, with little hope for change. AI companions offer a temporary refuge, but they cannot replace the fundamental freedoms that have been taken away.
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