Afghan Homes Shuttered: Taliban Restricts Views Over Women’s Areas
The Taliban has issued a directive in the Balkh province of Afghanistan, mandating that residents block windows overlooking areas commonly used by women, such as courtyards and gardens, to prevent them from being seen from outside their homes.
This measure is part of a series of restrictions imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021, aimed at enforcing their interpretation of Islamic law.
In addition to the window coverings, the Taliban has implemented several other measures affecting women’s rights and freedoms, including:
- Education: Girls above the sixth grade have been barred from attending school, effectively denying them access to secondary and higher education.
- Employment: Women have been prohibited from working in most sectors, including government offices and non-governmental organizations, significantly limiting their participation in the workforce.
- Public Spaces: Women are required to wear the hijab and are often restricted from traveling without a male guardian, limiting their freedom of movement.
These policies have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with human rights organizations expressing deep concern over the erosion of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The United Nations and various countries have urged the Taliban to reverse these restrictions and uphold the rights of women and girls.
Despite international pressure, the Taliban has shown little willingness to change its stance, citing its interpretation of Islamic principles as justification for these measures.
The situation remains dire for Afghan women, who face increasing isolation and marginalization under the current regime.