KABUL, Afghanistan — Women employed in public offices voiced frustration over a wave of restrictions imposed by the Taliban, reporting mounting pressure to adhere to strict dress codes and citing lower salaries compared to their male counterparts.
Many women who previously worked under Afghanistan’s former government have lost their jobs entirely, as Taliban edicts continue to erode female participation in public life. Some of these women, now confined to their homes, say they are struggling to make ends meet in the face of economic hardship.
Madina, a former employee, says she has been left in a state of uncertainty since the Taliban returned to power. “With the Taliban in power, women have been removed from all areas of society,” she said, using a pseudonym out of fear for her safety. “Even our voices feel silenced in Afghanistan.”
Despite broad bans on women’s employment in both government and private sectors, exceptions persist in a few areas, notably security, education, and healthcare. However, even in these fields, women report severe restrictions and social pressures.
Shazia, an employee in the Taliban-run Interior Ministry, said that her work in a Kabul security unit, where she conducts searches, has become increasingly challenging. “I held this role during the previous government, and the workload is just as high now,” she said, explaining that she earns far less than she did before. “I’m working out of necessity — I have six children, and my husband was killed. The pay is low, and there are strict demands regarding dress and hijab.”
The Taliban’s Interior Ministry recently reported that around 2,000 women remain employed within its ranks, working in areas such as the General Directorate of Passport, public services, and checkpoints. Yet, even for those still employed, the demands of the job are growing alongside mounting restrictions.
In a country grappling with political upheaval, these women continue to navigate uncertainty — often with no choice but to endure.
