The solar year 1403 marked another period of intensified hardship for women and girls, as the Taliban imposed further restrictions on their rights and freedoms.
Building upon previous edicts, the regime’s actions have systematically eroded women’s access to education, employment, and public life.
In July, the Taliban reduced the salaries of female government employees to 5,000 Afghanis (approximately $60), exacerbating economic challenges for many families.
By August, the enactment of the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” law further curtailed women’s freedoms, imposing stricter dress codes and limiting their presence in public spaces. December witnessed the closure of medical institutions for women, effectively barring them from receiving essential healthcare training.
Additionally, the Taliban reiterated bans on women working with non-governmental organizations, severely restricting their employment opportunities. In March, Kandahar radio stations were prohibited from broadcasting women’s voices, silencing female perspectives in media.
These measures have drawn sharp criticism from the international community. The United Nations Security Council expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s decision to ban Afghan women from medical education, highlighting the potential deprivation of healthcare for millions. Human rights organizations have labeled the situation as “gender apartheid,” urging global action to address the systemic discrimination against Afghan women.
The impact on Afghan women is profound. Vida, a 38-year-old Afghan woman, shared her struggles as the sole provider for her family. After being forcibly deported from Iran, she returned to an Afghanistan where her daughters face bleak prospects for education and employment. “There is no longer any hope for my daughters’ education or employment,” Vida lamented. The Taliban’s restrictions have not only deepened economic hardships but have also extinguished aspirations for a better future.
Despite these oppressive measures, Afghan women continue to demonstrate resilience. Protests have erupted in response to the bans, with women demanding their right to education and work.
International bodies, including the European Parliament, have responded by recognizing the severity of the situation, with some labeling it as “gender apartheid.” The International Criminal Court has also taken steps, with its prosecutor applying for an arrest warrant against Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada for crimes against humanity related to the oppression of women.
The plight of Afghan women under Taliban rule remains a pressing human rights crisis. The international community faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to support Afghan women and hold the Taliban accountable for their systematic violations of women’s rights.
