In a move that further curtails women’s rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban announced plans to shut down all national and international nonprofit organizations employing women. The decision marks yet another restriction on women’s participation in the workforce and public life, sparking outrage and concern among the international community.
The New Directive and Its Implications
On Sunday night, the Taliban’s Economy Ministry issued a letter warning NGOs against employing women. The letter stated that failure to comply would result in the cancellation of the organization’s operating license. The ministry emphasized its role in the registration, coordination, and supervision of all nonprofit activities in Afghanistan, asserting its authority to enforce the new order.
The directive follows a 2022 mandate that banned Afghan women from working with NGOs, ostensibly because they failed to comply with the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic dress codes. This latest move has escalated concerns about the Taliban’s regressive policies toward women.
The new order comes amid a broader crackdown on women’s rights in Afghanistan. Women have already been barred from most jobs and public spaces, as well as from education beyond the sixth grade. The Taliban’s systematic exclusion of women from various spheres of life continues to draw condemnation from human rights organizations and governments worldwide.
International Backlash and Concerns
The decision has provoked sharp criticism from international human rights groups, which warn that it will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. NGOs play a critical role in providing aid, healthcare, and education in a country plagued by economic and social challenges.
Restricting women from contributing to these organizations could hinder their effectiveness, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including women and children.
The Taliban has justified the ban by citing its strict interpretation of Islamic law. A statement from the government reiterated that female work in institutions not controlled by the Taliban was prohibited. Critics argue that these measures are less about religious compliance and more about consolidating control and marginalizing women.
Impact on Humanitarian Aid
With international NGOs already struggling to operate under the Taliban’s restrictions, this directive poses a significant threat to aid delivery in Afghanistan. Many organizations rely on female staff to reach women and children, especially in rural areas where cultural norms restrict interactions between unrelated men and women.
Experts warn that the shutdown of NGOs employing women could lead to a reduction in aid services, leaving millions without access to basic necessities. The international community has expressed alarm over the Taliban’s escalating suppression of women. Governments and global organizations have called for coordinated efforts to pressure the Taliban to reverse its policies.
“This decision is a step backward for Afghanistan and a devastating blow to the millions who rely on NGO services,” a spokesperson for Amnesty International said.
A Grim Outlook for Women’s Rights
The Taliban’s latest directive underscores its commitment to rolling back women’s rights in Afghanistan. As the international community grapples with how to respond, the future for Afghan women remains bleak.
This decision not only silences the voices of Afghan women but also threatens the country’s already fragile humanitarian framework, deepening the challenges for its people.
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