The Taliban has enacted another measure that isolates Afghan women from public and religious life by prohibiting women from praying aloud or reciting the Quran in the presence of other women. The rule explicitly forbids women from engaging in loud prayer, chanting takbir, or expressing religious phrases. Women are also prohibited from singing, further imposing restrictions on religious practices. These restrictions are part of the Taliban’s efforts to shape public perception of divine rulings on female behavior and contribute to a series of strict laws affecting nearly every aspect of Afghan women’s lives.
The severe restrictions enforced by the Taliban’s rule include dress codes that require women to cover fully, limitations on movement without a male guardian, bans on women’s employment, and restrictions on education beyond sixth grade. These restrictions confine many women to their homes and severely limit their opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Taliban’s policies have significantly decreased women’s freedoms and rights in Afghanistan, leading to widespread condemnation from the international community and human rights organizations.
Minister Khalid Hanafi’s statements regarding the prayer ban initially appeared on social media but were later removed, indicating uncertainties within the administration about their communication on this topic. In addition to the prayer ban, Taliban policies now prevent female health care workers from meeting with male companions of female patients, further restricting women’s access to healthcare. Some provinces have also restricted the media from publishing images of living things, imposing another barrier to freedom of expression and information.
The Taliban’s descent into what some have characterized as “gender apartheid” has drawn significant criticism on the international stage, with the United Nations condemning their restrictive practices. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan has stated that the Taliban’s policies should “shock the conscience of humanity,” emphasizing the severity of the situation. Afghan women and girls have demonstrated tremendous bravery in the face of Taliban oppression, but the international community must take decisive action to protect their rights and ensure their safety and wellbeing.
The Taliban’s policies have created a climate of fear and oppression for Afghan women, drastically limiting their freedoms, rights, and opportunities. By imposing strict restrictions on prayer, healthcare, employment, and education, the Taliban has effectively marginalized women from public and religious life. It is crucial for the international community to stand in solidarity with Afghan women, advocate for their rights, and take meaningful action to address the violations of their human rights. The continued oppression of Afghan women under Taliban rule must be met with decisive and principled responses to protect and uphold their dignity and freedom.
