Born: 1974 (Kunduz province, Afghanistan)
Died: 2013 (Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Afghanistan)
Biography:
Islam Bibi (Pashto: د اسلام چاچی; 1974 – 4 July 2013) was a remarkable female police officer in Afghanistan, based in the Helmand province Headquarters. She served as a pioneer in the fight for feminism and was the highest-ranking policewoman in Afghanistan at the time of her untimely death.
Born in 1974 in Kunduz province, Bibi’s life was profoundly impacted by the political instability in Afghanistan. In the 1990s, she found herself as a refugee in Iran when the Taliban took control of her homeland. Despite the challenging circumstances, Bibi courageously returned to Afghanistan in 2001 with a determination to make a difference.
Initially, her focus was on raising her family while defying societal expectations. However, in pursuit of her passion for justice, Bibi made the bold decision to join the police force, against her family’s wishes. This choice sparked intense opposition, leading to her own brother attempting to take her life in a misguided attempt to preserve the family’s honor.
Undeterred by the adversity she faced, Bibi joined the police force in 2003. Through her exceptional dedication and capabilities, she swiftly ascended to the position of second lieutenant, reporting directly to the CID leadership—an extraordinary achievement for a woman in Afghanistan at the time. As the highest-ranking policewoman, Bibi became a prominent figure in the fight against the Taliban, leading operations aimed at countering their influence.
A distinguishing aspect of Bibi’s work was her leadership of one of the largest police female squadrons in Afghanistan. This squadron, tasked with pursuing the Taliban, specialized in identifying costumed suicide bombers hidden beneath burqas. With remarkable bravery, Bibi and her team were the first to breach the walls of houses during searches in women’s areas, where male officers were prohibited.
To carry out their duties effectively, the female police officers had to disguise themselves, donning black scarves to conceal their identities. They even opted for men’s uniforms in certain cases, adorned with thick boots, ensuring their safety and ability to navigate treacherous terrains. Unfortunately, Bibi and her female colleagues also encountered significant challenges within the police force. Instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse from male counterparts were distressingly common, further exacerbated by the lack of basic facilities for women, such as restrooms, within police stations.
Tragically, on the morning of July 4, 2013, Islam Bibi’s life was cut short by a horrific act of violence. While riding a motorcycle with her son-in-law in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, she was shot and critically wounded. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Bibi succumbed to her injuries in the hospital emergency room. Shockingly, no investigation has been launched to identify the perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime.
Throughout her life and career, Islam Bibi’s unwavering commitment to justice and women’s rights left an indelible impact on Afghan society. Her bravery, determination, and selflessness made her a true trailblazer, transforming stereotype-laden perceptions of women’s roles in policing and fighting for equality amidst relentless threats and challenges.