![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdcdd7_002d8ed5d9074ff5b97e7dff509080a5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_83,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/fdcdd7_002d8ed5d9074ff5b97e7dff509080a5~mv2.jpg)
We need a sense of space in order to breathe freedom, both inside and outside our bodies. I learnt that from our Melbourne Covid-19 lockdowns. However it’s a totally different mindset to think of a rule of control and violence, and specifically because of whom I am – a woman.
“Nothing has changed yet,” wrote one of my contacts. She replied to my question of whether there were any changes towards women by the Taliban, as I had received a photo from another woman, of her and two other girls not wearing a burqa. I was surprised to see them in nature, dressed in colourful and ‘regular’ dresses.
Taliban restrictions have in fact increased against women. Previously, families were allowed to go to a park with their male family members but now men and women are not allowed to go together. Parks and public gardens have been segregated over the past few months – four days for men only and three for women.
The women in these photos went to a park for a picnic and photographed themselves ‘under the radar’ without their burqas, to record their moments of freedom in the space of nature.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdcdd7_466423877aa34745a27776760c446af7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_122,h_93,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/fdcdd7_466423877aa34745a27776760c446af7~mv2.jpg)
Those were indeed moments to remember.
Soon after, my friend, whose home is near a Taliban checkpoint, went outside with her two year-old daughter. Her toddler was wearing half-length pants and the Taliban guard looked at her strangely.
She thought he was about to come over and beat her.