December 30th 2024.
The Taliban, a fundamentalist group that has recently regained control of Afghanistan, has taken yet another step in restricting the rights and freedoms of women. The Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a new decree aimed at protecting women's privacy. This decree states that women must not be visible from neighboring homes while engaging in activities such as cooking, sitting, or standing.
In the five-point decree, which was announced on Saturday, it is forbidden for two buildings to have windows facing each other if they are within a certain distance. This includes windows facing the neighbor's kitchen, water well, or any other area where women are commonly present. Those who do have windows that overlook their neighbor's property in this manner are required to take measures to minimize any potential harm, such as building a wall.
This is just the latest in a series of strict rules imposed by the Taliban on women's freedoms in Afghanistan. Since their return to power in 2021, the Taliban has made it clear that they intend to exclude women from public life. Under Akhundzada's leadership, over 100 similar edicts have been issued, systematically stripping women of their rights. This includes banning them from attending university and holding jobs, limiting their education to primary school level, and restricting their access to public spaces like parks, restaurants, and beauty salons.
To enforce these edicts, the Taliban has established a state-sponsored "morality police" with sweeping powers. Their job is to ensure that these regulations are followed and that no new buildings violate the new rules. These policies have been condemned by the United Nations as a form of "gender apartheid," highlighting the increasing isolation and suffering of women and girls living under Taliban rule.
It is a sobering reality that the Taliban's return to power has brought about such severe restrictions on women's freedoms. As the international community continues to denounce these policies, many are left wondering what the future holds for the women and girls of Afghanistan.
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