Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) joined Rep. Carol Miller (WV-03) and several colleagues in a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris, imploring her to act swiftly to protect the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, which are currently under attack by the Taliban’s oppressive regime.

The Members write: “Prior to the Taliban taking control of Kabul in 1996, Afghan society was open towards women. According to the U.S. Department of State, in the 1990s, 40% of the doctors in Kabul and 50% of government workers were women. However, after the Taliban took over, women’s rights were severely restricted. Women were not able to leave the house without a male relative, they were forced to quit their jobs, the women’s university was closed, and there was a strict dress code. Failure to follow Taliban rule often resulted in brutal physical punishment.”

The Members conclude: “The rise of the Taliban has placed the lives of our allies as well as Americans still in the country in danger. For women and girls in Afghanistan, Taliban rule will most certainly be regressive. Education, work, freedom of movement, and other opportunities outside of the home are all rights that are in jeopardy under the current regime. As a government that supports the rights and dignity of all women and girls, we have a duty to assist those in Afghanistan.”

###