Taliban Imposes New Restrictions on Women’s Public Activities
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has introduced a series of strict new regulations targeting women, focusing on controlling their public presence. Approved by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, these regulations include restrictions on the sound of women’s voices and their visibility in public spaces.
New Regulations for Women
The new laws mandate that women must be fully veiled in public, including face coverings to prevent what the Taliban considers temptation. Women’s clothing is required to be non-transparent and loose-fitting. Additionally, women are prohibited from singing, reciting, or reading aloud in public. They must also avoid looking at men who are not relatives and vice versa.
Broader Impact of the Laws
The 114-page document, which marks the first formal declaration of vice and virtue laws since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, addresses various aspects of daily life. The laws regulate public transportation, music, and social interactions. They also include provisions against the publication of images of living beings and solo travel for women.
Enforcement and Concerns
The new regulations will be enforced by the Ministry for the “Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice,” which will monitor and administer punishments such as warnings or arrest for non-compliance. This expansion of the ministry’s role has raised concerns about increasing control over personal conduct and media freedom.
International Reaction
A recent U.N. report highlighted that the Taliban’s vice and virtue laws are contributing to a climate of fear and intimidation among Afghans, particularly affecting women and girls. The report warns of the potential for further restrictions on personal freedoms and media coverage.
Conclusion
The Taliban’s latest measures underscore their continued efforts to enforce strict Islamic codes and limit women’s roles in public life, raising significant concerns from human rights advocates and international observers.
