The Taliban government in Afghanistan has implemented a set of stringent new laws that severely restrict the public role of women.
These laws, intended to promote their so-called “virtue” and morality, have been met with widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and international bodies.
According to the Associated Press, the Taliban administration has established a ministry specifically tasked with “the prevention of vice.” This ministry has recently published a 114-page rulebook outlining detailed regulations for various aspects of daily life, including public transport, music, clothing, and social interactions.
One of the most significant provisions of the new laws pertains to women’s appearance and behavior in public. Women are now required to cover their entire bodies, including their faces, in public spaces. The Taliban government argues that this is necessary to “avoid temptation and tempting others.” Clothing must not be thin, tight, or short, and failure to comply with these dress codes could result in arrest.
Furthermore, the laws dictate that women’s voices should not be heard in public. This includes singing, reciting poetry, or reading aloud. The Taliban government views women’s voices as intimate and believes that they should not be shared with strangers.
The new regulations also impose restrictions on women’s movements and social interactions. Women are forbidden from looking at men they are not related to, and vice versa. Additionally, women are not allowed to travel alone, and men and women are prohibited from socializing together unless they are related.
The Taliban’s crackdown on women’s rights has sparked widespread concern and outrage. A recent report by the United Nations highlighted the growing climate of fear among Afghans, particularly women and girls, as a result of the ministry’s actions.
Fiona Frazer, head of the human rights service at the UN mission in Afghanistan, expressed deep concern about the expanding scope of the Taliban’s oversight and its potential impact on the rights and freedoms of all Afghans.
