The Taliban have announced their intention to shut down all national and foreign nongovernmental organizations in Afghanistan that employ women, marking a further crackdown on women's rights since they seized power in August 2021. This move comes after a previous directive two years ago that required NGOs to suspend the employment of Afghan women due to alleged violations of Islamic dress codes.
The Economy Ministry issued a warning that failure to comply with the latest order would result in NGOs losing their operating licenses in Afghanistan. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the shrinking space for women's rights in Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to reverse these restrictions to ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.
The Taliban's latest decree also includes a ban on windows overlooking areas where women may be present, such as yards or kitchens. The order mandates that new buildings, as well as existing ones, must comply with this regulation to prevent any view that could be deemed inappropriate.
Despite denials from the Taliban, reports indicate that female humanitarian workers are facing increasing obstacles in carrying out their duties, with restrictions on their movement and activities. The Taliban have already imposed stringent limitations on women's participation in various sectors, including education beyond sixth grade and access to public spaces.
The international community, including the United Nations, has called for a reversal of these restrictive measures to uphold women's rights and ensure the effective delivery of aid to the Afghan population. The Taliban's continued interference in NGO operations and imposition of gender-based restrictions raise concerns about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the well-being of its citizens.
