The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan has revealed how Taliban decrees on clothing and male guardians is taking a toll on the lives of women, leaving many terrified of stepping out of their houses alone. The report was published on Friday, February 16.
“Police enforcement has increased harassment in public spaces and further limited women’s ability to leave their homes, according to testimony from 745 Afghan women participating in the latest survey by UN Women, International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN’s Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA),” stated UN News.
Ever since coming into power, Taliban has introduced over 50 decrees, all of which severely violate the rights and dignity of women.
57% women have revealed their reluctance to leave home without a Mahram (male guardian), stating that the austere restrictions imposed have curtailed their freedom and sense of security, leaving them in a perpetual state of anxiety. The rapid escalation in public harassment is also responsible for instilling fear among women who now think twice before leaving home. Additionally, detentions or arrests made by police are also a massive source of shame and stigma.
“Following recent reports of the arbitrary and severe enforcement of the hijab decree, particularly in Kabul, women described how enforcement has increased harassment in public spaces and further limited their ability to leave their homes,” stated the survey.
The women also expressed how introduction of new decrees further adds to their worry and fear.
Concerns Over Taliban’s International Recognition
Women in Afghanistan are extremely skeptical of the idea of Taliban (de facto authorities; DFA) receiving international recognition as they believe that such a move would be detrimental to the fate of the country’s female population.
“Women expressed dread and anxiety when asked to consider the possibility of international recognition of the
DFA. Around two thirds (67 per cent) stated that recognition would have a significant impact on their lives. Under
the current circumstances, it could exacerbate the women’s rights crisis and increase the risk that the DFA would
reinforce and expand existing restrictions targeting women and girls.”
32% women asserted that international recognition should be granted only upon the reversal of all restrictions while 28% completely refuted the idea of international recognition. A similar survey carried out in July, 2023 had shown how 96% women “maintained that recognition should only occur after improvements in women’s rights or that it should not occur at all”.
Back in January, UN had released another report shedding light on the plight of unmarried women in Afghanistan in wake of the Taliban policies.
There is also growing concern about the kind of impact this will have on the upcoming generation who will grow up internalizing such oppressive regimes.
Afghan Women Urge The International Community To Take Necessary Steps
Women have urged the international community to not grant any form of international recognition until and unless the DFA take legitimate steps to alleviate the status of women. They have also requested the for the imposition of economic and political sanctions on the DFA as well as for the funding and development of programmes and vocational trainings which will give a voice to the helpless women and foster self-awareness and confidence while also providing economic opportunities.
Afghan women have specifically requested Taliban to withdraw all restrictions that have stifled the independent status of women and limited their participation in the social and public sphere. They are also advocating for inclusion of women in decision-making and working towards the overall improvement of the country and its citizens.
