- Taliban Prohibits Women from Beauty Salons and Impacts Livelihoods
- Harsh Restrictions on Women: Public Spaces, Employment, and Education
- Backlash and Criticism: Global Outrage Over Taliban’s Treatment of Women
Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, women have been prohibited from entering public spaces, amusement parks, public baths, gyms, and sports organizations.
The Taliban has ordered the closure of all cosmetic salons in Afghanistan, according to a government spokesperson.
This occurs after the Taliban restricted women’s access to university education, public spaces, and the majority of employment opportunities.
Mohammad Sadiq Akif, the spokesman for the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, stated on Tuesday that “women’s beauty parlors will close in one month.”
Mr. Akif verified a social media letter but did not disclose any other information concerning the suspension.
The letter, dated June 24th, states that it conveys a verbal order from Hibatullah Akhundzada.
In addition to the capital city of Kabul, the prohibition applies to other provinces.
Nationwide salons have only one month to wind down their operations; after the deadline, owners must close their stores and file a report of closure.
The letter does not explain the prohibition.
A few days ago, Akhundzada stated that his government would take “necessary steps” for “the betterment of women as half of society to provide them with a comfortable and prosperous life by Islamic Shariah.”
The government’s ban and stringent restrictions have also been criticized by many people around the world and women in the country.
‘Aren’t we human?’
One owner of a beauty salon told The Associated Press that she is the sole provider for her family after her husband was killed in a car bombing attack in 2017 and that she fears the government closure may affect her prospects.
The proprietor, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that eight to twelve women visit her salon daily in Kabul.
She continued, “They [the Taliban] are gradually imposing restrictions on women.
Why do they target only women? Aren’t we human? “Have we no right to work or live?”
Despite the Taliban’s initial promise of a more moderate regime than their previous ascent to power in the 1990s. They have continued to implement harsh measures since their August 2021 takeover.
Since the takeover, public places, amusement parks, public baths, gyms, and sports groups have barred women for four months.
In addition, women are prohibited from working in NGO offices.
UN experts found in March that women and girls’ rights have reverted to pre-2002 levels, negating the country’s progress.
Afghan women optimistically celebrated International Women’s Day in 2002 after years of Taliban oppression.
“The day was observed in Afghanistan and at the United Nations Headquarters with the theme ‘Afghan women today: Realities and Opportunities,’ and commitments were made to assist our Afghan sisters in rebuilding their lives and becoming full participants in the post-conflict reconstruction of the country.
That day, the international community also said Afghan women’s condition violated dignity, equality, and humanity.
