Taliban's Repressive Laws: Afghan Women Struggle Under Severe Restrictions

Under Taliban rule, Afghan women face severe restrictions, including the prohibition of leaving their homes without a male chaperone. This rule, known by the 'mahram rule,' has drastically limited their freedom of movement and access to vital services.

An estimated 2 million widows are among those most affected by the mahram rule. These women are virtual prisoners in their own homes, unable to carry out basic tasks such as visiting a doctor or going to the market without a male escort.

The Taliban's restrictive laws on women's movement and access to vital services have far-reaching implications for gender equality and human rights globally. If left unchecked, these restrictions can perpetuate cycles of poverty, inequality, and social injustice, affecting not only Afghan women but also the broader society in the long run.

Nadia, a 35-year-old divorced woman from Kunduz, has no surviving male relatives and is forced to pay a man to accompany her for everyday activities. 'These restrictions are stifling for women who now cannot do the simple things independently,' she said.

Parisa, an unmarried woman from Takhar, takes care of her elderly parents and has been repeatedly harassed by the Taliban while trying to buy groceries. 'What can women do when men in their families are forced to leave the country for work?' she asked.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that the Taliban's religious police are actively enforcing the mahram rule by carrying out inspections in public spaces, offices, and education facilities, and setting up checkpoints in cities.

The United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) noted that the Taliban's restrictions on single and unaccompanied women have resulted in female-led households receiving less income and food, with their share of employment decreasing from 11% in 2022 to 6% in 2023.

The consequences of these restrictions are dire. Women are unable to access healthcare, with female healthcare workers being detained for traveling to work without a mahram. Unaccompanied access by women to public places such as health facilities, water points, and markets has significantly declined in the past two years.

Despite international outcry, the Taliban has not made any concrete decisions on when schools will reopen for girls above sixth grade. The ban on girls' education has left 1.1 million girls without schooling since 2021, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

UN officials, including Rosemary DiCarlo, Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, have expressed deep concerns about the situation. 'In the final analysis, it comes down to a simple vision — of overcoming obstacles that deny the full contribution of women,' she stated.

To recap, the Taliban's repressive laws have created an unbearable situation for Afghan women, particularly those who are unmarried or lack a male guardian. The restrictions on movement, access to healthcare, and education have severely impacted their daily lives and prospects for the future.

Key Takeaways

• Taliban's "mahram rule" restricts Afghan women's movement without a male chaperone.
• 2 million widows are severely affected, unable to access basic services.
• Restrictions have led to decreased income and food for female-led households.
• Women face barriers to healthcare, education, and public spaces.
• 1.1 million girls remain out of school since 2021, perpetuating poverty and inequality.