The situation for women in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate amid growing isolation, restricted freedoms, and limited access to education and employment. Under the current restrictions imposed by the authorities in Afghanistan, women face increasing barriers in daily life, raising urgent concerns among global humanitarian agencies.

This report examines the worsening humanitarian situation, the impact on women’s rights, and the growing need for international assistance to address the crisis unfolding across the country.

Plight Of Afghan Women: Growing Isolation & Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Afghanistan rulers Taliban's strict gender restrictions have left Afghan women bleeding and buried under the rubble after the recent disastrous earthquake that struck the nation. According to reports, during the crucial first 36 hours of the earthquake, the men engaged in relief efforts did not touch even a single woman, all thanks to the Taliban's "no skin contact with unrelated males" rule. This rule prohibits male rescuers from physically assisting women – even in life-threatening situations like the one Afghanistan recently suffered.&nbsp;<h2>"No skin contact with unrelated males"</h2>The New York Times reported that Taliban rules forbidding any physical contact between unrelated men and women prevented male rescuers from pulling women from rubble or providing medical help. Moreover, with women banned from studying medicine or working in public roles, the shortage of female doctors and rescue workers left many Afghan women trapped or unattended.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-5-0-magnitude-hits-afghanistan-1757095130766">Earthquake of 5.0 magnitude hits Afghanistan; death toll surges past 2,200</a>&nbsp;Aysha, a 19-year-old survivor from Kunar Province, described the ordeal: "They gathered us in one corner and forgot about us." She said that women, "some of them bleeding, were pushed aside."&nbsp;<h2>Dead women pulled out by clothes</h2>Male volunteers also admitted they hesitated to assist women, waiting for other women from nearby villages to arrive. "It felt like women were invisible," said Tahzeebullah Muhazeb, 33, who joined rescue efforts in Mazar Dara. He added that men and children were treated first, while women sat apart, "waiting for care".&nbsp;Shockingly, as per the report, in some cases, dead women were dragged out by their clothes to avoid direct skin contact.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-energy-is-his-weapon-zelensky-sides-with-trump-says-india-must-face-50-tariffs-for-russian-oil-trade-1757313748003">'Energy is his weapon': Zelensky sides with Trump, says India must face 50% tariffs for Russian oil trade</a><h2>Women bearing the brunt of catastrophes</h2>The magnitude 6.0 quake, which struck on August 31, killed more than 2,200 people and injured 3,600, flattening villages across eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban is yet to release gender-specific numbers, but aid agencies have warned that the Taliban's policies have left women and girls bearing the brunt of the catastrophe.&nbsp;"Women and girls will again bear the brunt of this disaster, so we must ensure their needs are at the heart of the response and recovery," Susan Ferguson, UN Women's special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement earlier this week. Rights groups have urged the Taliban to allow gender-sensitive disaster response, warning that restrictions on women in healthcare and rescue work are deepening the humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

Following a devastating earthquake, Afghan women are reportedly being left under rubble due to the Taliban's strict "no skin contact" rule, which prevents male rescuers from touching them.

Afghanistan rulers Taliban's strict gender restrictions have left Afghan women bleeding and buried under the rubble after the recent disastrous earthquake that struck the nation. According to reports, during the crucial first 36 hours of the earthquake, the men engaged in relief efforts did not touch even a single woman, all thanks to the Taliban's "no skin contact with unrelated males" rule. This rule prohibits male rescuers from physically assisting women – even in life-threatening situations like the one Afghanistan recently suffered. "No skin contact with unrelated males" The New York Times reported that Taliban rules forbidding any physical contact between unrelated men and women prevented male rescuers from pulling women from rubble or providing medical help. Moreover, with women banned from studying medicine or working in public roles, the shortage of female doctors and rescue workers left many Afghan women trapped or unattended. Also read | Earthquake of 5.0 magnitude hits Afghanistan; death toll surges past 2,200 Aysha, a 19-year-old survivor from Kunar Province, described the ordeal: "They gathered us in one corner and forgot about us." She said that women, "some of them bleeding, were pushed aside." Dead women pulled out by clothes Male volunteers also admitted they hesitated to assist women, waiting for other women from nearby villages to arrive. "It felt like women were invisible," said Tahzeebullah Muhazeb, 33, who joined rescue efforts in Mazar Dara. He added that men and children were treated first, while women sat apart, "waiting for care". Shockingly, as per the report, in some cases, dead women were dragged out by their clothes to avoid direct skin contact. Also read | 'Energy is his weapon': Zelensky sides with Trump, says India must face 50% tariffs for Russian oil trade Women bearing the brunt of catastrophes The magnitude 6.0 quake, which struck on August 31, killed more than 2,200 people and injured 3,600, flattening villages across eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban is yet to release gender-specific numbers, but aid agencies have warned that the Taliban's policies have left women and girls bearing the brunt of the catastrophe. "Women and girls will again bear the brunt of this disaster, so we must ensure their needs are at the heart of the response and recovery," Susan Ferguson, UN Women's special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement earlier this week. Rights groups have urged the Taliban to allow gender-sensitive disaster response, warning that restrictions on women in healthcare and rescue work are deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Following a devastating earthquake, Afghan women are reportedly being left under rubble due to the Taliban's strict "no skin contact" rule, which prevents male rescuers from touching them.

Dead bodies dragged out by clothes? Taliban let Afghan women die under rubble after deadly quake... all to obey ‘no touch’ rule

FIFA has cleared the way for Afghanistan’s women’s football team to represent their country, offering long-awaited support. However, the ICC remains silent on recognizing Afghan women cricketers, who fled after the Taliban banned them from playing. The fight for recognition and equality in Afghan sports continues.

Afghanistan: FIFA supports Afghan women’s team, but ICC remains silent

Afghan women who fled the Taliban to pursue education now face an uncertain future as their scholarships are discontinued due to Trump's funding freeze on USAID. Many students in Oman might be forced to return, raising concerns about their safety and future. The affected women are urging the international community to intervene urgently.

Trump's funding freeze jeopardizes Afghan women's education abroad

In the latest move to curb women's rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban issued warnings to all foreign Non-Profit organisations (NGOs) to stop employing women or they will be banned from operating in the country. In a letter published on the social media platform X, Afghanistan's Economy Minister wrote that if the NGOs fail to comply with the orders, their licenses will be cancelled.&nbsp;
The post in Persian read, "The Ministry of Economy, as the authority for registering non-Emirati institutions, is responsible for coordinating, leading, and supervising all activities of domestic and foreign NGOs. Therefore, once again, a follow-up circular has been issued to stop the work of female employees in non-Emirati and foreign institutions. In case of non-cooperation, all activities of the offending institution will be suspended, and the activity license they received from this ministry will be cancelled," it added.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladeshi-americans-urge-trump-to-intervene-amid-attacks-against-minorities-8577523" aria-label="Bangladeshi Americans urge Trump to intervene amid attacks against minorities">Bangladeshi Americans urge Trump to intervene amid attacks against minorities</a>
The announcement came two years after the Taliban ordered NGOs to suspend female employees, accusing them of not wearing their hijab correctly and not dressing as per the Islamic dress code.&nbsp;
<h2>Taliban ban windows in buildings</h2>
Just a few hours before the latest announcement, the Taliban prohibited the construction of windows in residential buildings and kitchen areas. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid justified the prohibition, saying, "Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards, or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts."
To ensure compliance, the nation's municipal authorities and other relevant authorities have been tasked with monitoring construction sites. They will ensure that people can't look into their neighbour's house.
According to news agency AFP, the decree also specified that in instances where such windows already exist, building owners would be asked to put up a wall or seal the window to obstruct the view "to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-bans-windows-overlooking-womens-spaces-including-kitchens-says-they-can-lead-to-obscene-acts-8576595" rel="dofollow">Taliban's new diktat: Kitchens must be windowless to prevent 'obscene acts' against women</a>
It's been three years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and snatched all basic human rights for Afghan women. It has banned women from schools, universities, most workplaces, and even parks.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

The announcement came two years after the Taliban ordered NGOs to suspend female employees, accusing them of not wearing their hijab correctly and not dressing as per the Islamic dress code. 

In the latest move to curb women's rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban issued warnings to all foreign Non-Profit organisations (NGOs) to stop employing women or they will be banned from operating in the country. In a letter published on the social media platform X, Afghanistan's Economy Minister wrote that if the NGOs fail to comply with the orders, their licenses will be cancelled. The post in Persian read, "The Ministry of Economy, as the authority for registering non-Emirati institutions, is responsible for coordinating, leading, and supervising all activities of domestic and foreign NGOs. Therefore, once again, a follow-up circular has been issued to stop the work of female employees in non-Emirati and foreign institutions. In case of non-cooperation, all activities of the offending institution will be suspended, and the activity license they received from this ministry will be cancelled," it added. Also read | Bangladeshi Americans urge Trump to intervene amid attacks against minorities The announcement came two years after the Taliban ordered NGOs to suspend female employees, accusing them of not wearing their hijab correctly and not dressing as per the Islamic dress code. Taliban ban windows in buildings Just a few hours before the latest announcement, the Taliban prohibited the construction of windows in residential buildings and kitchen areas. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid justified the prohibition, saying, "Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards, or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts." To ensure compliance, the nation's municipal authorities and other relevant authorities have been tasked with monitoring construction sites. They will ensure that people can't look into their neighbour's house. According to news agency AFP, the decree also specified that in instances where such windows already exist, building owners would be asked to put up a wall or seal the window to obstruct the view "to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours". Also read | Taliban's new diktat: Kitchens must be windowless to prevent 'obscene acts' against women It's been three years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and snatched all basic human rights for Afghan women. It has banned women from schools, universities, most workplaces, and even parks. (With inputs from agencies)

'Stop employing females or...': Taliban's latest order to curb women's rights in Afghanistan

In a fresh series of restrictions on Afghan women, medical training, including for midwives and nurses, has reportedly been banned for women, female students told Afghanistan-bases news Khaama Press.&nbsp;

They were further informed to stay home until further notice.&nbsp;

The latest move by the Taliban has effectively closed the last path of further education for women in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Moreover, five separate institutions across the country&nbsp;have also confirmed to BBC that the Taliban had instructed them to close until further notice. Videos have been surfacing showing students crying at the news.

However, the news is yet to be confirmed by the Taliban government's health ministry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-ban-women-from-hearing-each-others-voice-while-praying-report-771700">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban ban women from hearing each other's voice while praying: Report</a>

One of the students from a medical institute in Kabul told Khaama Press that they were prohibited from entering their classrooms and the staff vaguely informed them that “classes are temporarily suspended.”

After the students began protesting, they were told that the Taliban had issued an order to close the institutes until further notice.&nbsp;

<h2>'Another violation of women’s rights to education'</h2>

Robert Dickson, the Charge d’Affaires of the UK Embassy for Afghanistan, condemned the decree. He took to X, stating, "I am deeply concerned about new reports that the Taliban will deny medical education to women in Afghanistan."

“This is another affront to women’s right to education and will further restrict access to health care for Afghan women and children,” the British diplomat added.

After regaining control in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned women from university education. Moreover, girls are not allowed to attend school after the sixth grade.&nbsp;

However, the Taliban have been defending these decrees, saying that they are following the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Afghan Women Turn to Entrepreneurship Amid Taliban Restrictions

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-women-turn-to-entrepreneurship-amid-taliban-restrictions-779397/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Afghanistan Women and Children Strengthen Welfare Organization took to X, and said, "This decision denies countless young women the opportunity to pursue careers in medicine, a field where they have historically played a vital role, particularly in providing healthcare to women and children."

"The ban further cripples Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system, which relies heavily on female medical professionals to address the needs of its population. With maternal mortality rates among the highest in the world, the absence of female healthcare workers will have catastrophic consequences for women’s health,” it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a fresh series of restrictions on Afghan women, medical training, including for midwives and nurses, has reportedly been banned for women, female students told Afghanistan-bases news Khaama Press.

In a fresh series of restrictions on Afghan women, medical training, including for midwives and nurses, has reportedly been banned for women, female students told Afghanistan-bases news Khaama Press. They were further informed to stay home until further notice. The latest move by the Taliban has effectively closed the last path of further education for women in Afghanistan. Moreover, five separate institutions across the country have also confirmed to BBC that the Taliban had instructed them to close until further notice. Videos have been surfacing showing students crying at the news. However, the news is yet to be confirmed by the Taliban government's health ministry. Also read: Taliban ban women from hearing each other's voice while praying: Report One of the students from a medical institute in Kabul told Khaama Press that they were prohibited from entering their classrooms and the staff vaguely informed them that “classes are temporarily suspended.” After the students began protesting, they were told that the Taliban had issued an order to close the institutes until further notice. 'Another violation of women’s rights to education' Robert Dickson, the Charge d’Affaires of the UK Embassy for Afghanistan, condemned the decree. He took to X, stating, "I am deeply concerned about new reports that the Taliban will deny medical education to women in Afghanistan." “This is another affront to women’s right to education and will further restrict access to health care for Afghan women and children,” the British diplomat added. After regaining control in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned women from university education. Moreover, girls are not allowed to attend school after the sixth grade. However, the Taliban have been defending these decrees, saying that they are following the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law. Watch | Afghan Women Turn to Entrepreneurship Amid Taliban Restrictions × Afghanistan Women and Children Strengthen Welfare Organization took to X, and said, "This decision denies countless young women the opportunity to pursue careers in medicine, a field where they have historically played a vital role, particularly in providing healthcare to women and children." "The ban further cripples Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system, which relies heavily on female medical professionals to address the needs of its population. With maternal mortality rates among the highest in the world, the absence of female healthcare workers will have catastrophic consequences for women’s health,” it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan women 'banned from midwife and nurse education' in Taliban's new decree: Report

Limitations often breed resilience...And women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs...Women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families. Our next report delves into this inspiring struggle for economic independence. Take a look...

Afghanistan: Small Businesses Provide Lifeline For Aghan Women Amid Hardships

Limitations often breed resilience and women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs, women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families.

After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghan women faced severe restrictions, including a ban on secondary education and a sharp decline in employment opportunities.

Prior to the takeover, women accounted for 26 per cent of public sector workers, a number that has since dwindled to near zero.

Amid this economic and social turmoil, many Afghan women have turned to entrepreneurship as a way to support their families and regain independence.

For example, Zainab Ferozi, who invested her savings into a carpet weaving business in Herat, now employs a dozen women who lost jobs or were forced to abandon their education due to Taliban policies.

Qamar Qasimi, a worker at carpet weaving company talked to AFP and I quote, “When I worked in a beauty salon, it was very good. The pay was also good, for example, we could earn 3,000 to 5,000, 6,000 or 7,000 ($100) afghanis for a single bride, but here, if we work for a whole month, we don't earn that much. For example, if we work a lot, we earn 5,000 afghanis a month, no more. There's absolutely no comparison."

Sumaya Ahmadi, a worker also shares her insights with AFP and said, "When I was at home, I was very depressed and angry. I couldn't stay at home. When Mrs. Ferozi (the manager of the company she works for) set up this workshop, I came here and was able to work. (now) I'm very happy and I no longer have any mental health problems. I'm happier and I feel better."

The rise in female entrepreneurship is notable.

The Afghanistan women’s chamber of commerce and industry reports a dramatic increase in businesses since the Taliban’s takeover, with registered businesses growing from 600 to 10,000, many of them small, home-based operations.

Women like Touba Zahid, who started making jams and pickles after being forced to abandon her university education, are not only creating job opportunities but also contributing to the economy.

While these businesses offer financial relief, the challenges remain.

For instance, salaries for women working in these enterprises are often low, ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 afghanis per month, insufficient to cover all living costs.

Fariba Noori, the chairperson of board of Afghan women chamber of commerce told AFP, "The market for women is not good, we don't have any saleswomen who could go to the bazaar to work for other women and do marketing for women so that their products sell. Before the return (of the Taliban to power), women used to do marketing and sell their products. But that's no longer the case."

Yet, the work has provided these women with more than just a financial lifeline. Many reports gaining a sense of purpose and mental well-being, as work has become a way to support their families and contribute to the future of younger generations.

(With inputs from AFP)

Limitations often breed resilience and women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs, women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families.

Limitations often breed resilience and women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan testify to that fact. Despite losing jobs, women in Afghanistan are turning to entrepreneurship to sustain themselves and their families. After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghan women faced severe restrictions, including a ban on secondary education and a sharp decline in employment opportunities. Prior to the takeover, women accounted for 26 per cent of public sector workers, a number that has since dwindled to near zero. Amid this economic and social turmoil, many Afghan women have turned to entrepreneurship as a way to support their families and regain independence. For example, Zainab Ferozi, who invested her savings into a carpet weaving business in Herat, now employs a dozen women who lost jobs or were forced to abandon their education due to Taliban policies. Qamar Qasimi, a worker at carpet weaving company talked to AFP and I quote, “When I worked in a beauty salon, it was very good. The pay was also good, for example, we could earn 3,000 to 5,000, 6,000 or 7,000 ($100) afghanis for a single bride, but here, if we work for a whole month, we don't earn that much. For example, if we work a lot, we earn 5,000 afghanis a month, no more. There's absolutely no comparison." Sumaya Ahmadi, a worker also shares her insights with AFP and said, "When I was at home, I was very depressed and angry. I couldn't stay at home. When Mrs. Ferozi (the manager of the company she works for) set up this workshop, I came here and was able to work. (now) I'm very happy and I no longer have any mental health problems. I'm happier and I feel better." The rise in female entrepreneurship is notable. The Afghanistan women’s chamber of commerce and industry reports a dramatic increase in businesses since the Taliban’s takeover, with registered businesses growing from 600 to 10,000, many of them small, home-based operations. Women like Touba Zahid, who started making jams and pickles after being forced to abandon her university education, are not only creating job opportunities but also contributing to the economy. While these businesses offer financial relief, the challenges remain. For instance, salaries for women working in these enterprises are often low, ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 afghanis per month, insufficient to cover all living costs. Fariba Noori, the chairperson of board of Afghan women chamber of commerce told AFP, "The market for women is not good, we don't have any saleswomen who could go to the bazaar to work for other women and do marketing for women so that their products sell. Before the return (of the Taliban to power), women used to do marketing and sell their products. But that's no longer the case." Yet, the work has provided these women with more than just a financial lifeline. Many reports gaining a sense of purpose and mental well-being, as work has become a way to support their families and contribute to the future of younger generations. (With inputs from AFP)

Afghan women turn to entrepreneurship amid Taliban restrictions

Many Afghan women find solace in the saffron industry, which provides a way to support their families and earn a living. Over 80 percent of the Saffron harvest activities are performed by women in the country. Watch this report for more details!

Saffron Companies Rely on Afghan Women to Harvest the Flowers

The European Court of Justice (ECJ), the highest court in the European Union, ruled on Friday (Oct 4) that any EU country can grant asylum to Afghan women based solely on their nationality and gender.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ), the highest court in the European Union, ruled on Friday (Oct 4) that any EU country can grant asylum to Afghan women based solely on their nationality and gender. In Austria, authorities denied asylum to two Afghan women who had applied in 2015 and 2020. These women appealed the decision to the Austrian Supreme Administrative Court, which then requested a ruling from the ECJ. ECJ: Nationality and gender sufficient; proof of specific persecution not required "It is unnecessary to establish that there is a risk that the applicant will actually and specifically be subject to acts of persecution if she returns to her country of origin," said ECJ in its ruling. It added, "It is sufficient to take into account her nationality and gender alone." Also read: UK mom whose 4 sons died in fire when she went shopping found guilty of murder. They could've been saved Taliban crackdown on women's rights This ruling follows the harsh restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban since they seized control of Afghanistan in 2021. Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, they have significantly restricted women's rights, limiting their access to education, employment, and overall freedom. The United Nations human rights chief has urged the Taliban to overturn laws he described as "egregious," saying they aim to reduce women to a shadow. Who are the two plaintiffs in the case? One of the women in the case, referred to as AH in the court documents, escaped Afghanistan to reach Iran with her mother and sisters when she was about 13 or 14. She fled after her father, who struggled with drug addiction, attempted to sell her to support his habit. The second woman, referred to as FN, was born in 2007 and has never lived in Afghanistan. She and her family had been living in Iran without legal residency, which meant they couldn't work, and she was unable to attend school. FN left Iran and applied for asylum in Austria. Also read: Israel likely to launch symbolic attack on Iran nuclear-related facilities “She (FN) said that if she returned to Afghanistan, as a woman she would be at risk of abduction, would be unable to attend school and might be unable to support herself without her family there,” an ECJ case document said. Several EU nations, including Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, already provide refugee status to Afghan women under these conditions, according to reports. (With inputs from agencies)

EU court rules Afghan women can claim asylum based on nationality alone; no proof of persecution needed

American actor Meryl Streep addressed the United Nations General Assembly and showed solidarity with Afghan women and girls. She said that a squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan. Here is the story of a bunch of Afghan women who have managed to restart their lives in Scotland. Will the Taliban be ever held accountable for gender discrimination?

Meryl Streep Takes on the Taliban: Highlight the Condition of Afghan Women

The United Nations has slammed Taliban's new restrictions on women. The Taliban has issued a new set of laws that have imposed tighter restrictions on women approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, putting a ban on their voices and making it mandatory for them to cover even their bare faces in public.

UN slams new Taliban restrictions: Women can't sing, read or travel alone

Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery, declares Taliban leader in new audio. Taliban’s supreme leader mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada purportedly vowed a harsh implementation of the Islamic code of Shariah.

Taliban: Afghan women will be stoned to death for adultery

Taking pictures or videos of "living things" has now been banned for government functionaries&nbsp;in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, the birthplace of the Taliban movement whose present-day disciples rule the South Asian country.&nbsp;

Authorities in the southern Afghan province&nbsp;ordered its officials on Sunday (Feb 18) not to take pictures or videos of "living things".

In a letter addressed to civil and military officials, the Interior provincial department directed them "to refrain from taking pictures of living things in your formal and informal gatherings, because it causes more harm than good".

It, however, said that text or audio content on official&nbsp;activities was allowed.

The directive, confirmed as authentic to the news agency AFP by a spokesperson for Kandahar's governor, specifies that these instructions are solely applicable to provincial officials and not to the general public or independent media.

The ban on television and images of living beings echoes the previous Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001. Since the Taliban's return to power over two years ago, various media organisations have voluntarily refrained from featuring images of people and animals.

Also watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Taliban jailing 'unprotected' women to keep them safe

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-jailing-unprotected-women-to-keep-them-safe-669983/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Notably, Afghanistan's central government departments run by the Taliban regularly share images of high-ranking officials in diplomatic meetings with foreign dignitaries.

<h2>Taliban rule in Afghanistan so far</h2>

Meanwhile, the connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities, a UN report indicated last year.&nbsp;

Just a month after coming to power, the Taliban banned girls from secondary education in September 2021.&nbsp;

On December 21, 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a>

WION was the first to&nbsp;report in January 2023 about the Taliban ruling in the Balkh province that prohibited male doctors from treating female patients.&nbsp;

The Taliban stormed to power virtually unchallenged after the withdrawal of US-led forces from the country in August 2021. The regime has not received international recognition, except from China.

Taking pictures or videos of "living things" has now been banned for government functionaries in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, the birthplace of the Taliban movement whose present-day disciples rule the South Asian country.

Taking pictures or videos of "living things" has now been banned for government functionaries in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, the birthplace of the Taliban movement whose present-day disciples rule the South Asian country. Authorities in the southern Afghan province ordered its officials on Sunday (Feb 18) not to take pictures or videos of "living things". In a letter addressed to civil and military officials, the Interior provincial department directed them "to refrain from taking pictures of living things in your formal and informal gatherings, because it causes more harm than good". It, however, said that text or audio content on official activities was allowed. The directive, confirmed as authentic to the news agency AFP by a spokesperson for Kandahar's governor, specifies that these instructions are solely applicable to provincial officials and not to the general public or independent media. The ban on television and images of living beings echoes the previous Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001. Since the Taliban's return to power over two years ago, various media organisations have voluntarily refrained from featuring images of people and animals. Also watch | Afghanistan: Taliban jailing 'unprotected' women to keep them safe × Notably, Afghanistan's central government departments run by the Taliban regularly share images of high-ranking officials in diplomatic meetings with foreign dignitaries. Taliban rule in Afghanistan so far Meanwhile, the connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities, a UN report indicated last year. Just a month after coming to power, the Taliban banned girls from secondary education in September 2021. On December 21, 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities. Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report WION was the first to report in January 2023 about the Taliban ruling in the Balkh province that prohibited male doctors from treating female patients. The Taliban stormed to power virtually unchallenged after the withdrawal of US-led forces from the country in August 2021. The regime has not received international recognition, except from China.

Afghanistan: Kandahar officials ordered by Taliban not to photograph 'living things'

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan is sending women to prisons to protect them from gender-based violence, the United Nations (UN) said in a report on Thursday (Dec 14).

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan is sending women to prisons to protect them from gender-based violence, the United Nations (UN) said in a report on Thursday (Dec 14). According to the report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the Taliban send women to prisons if they have no male relatives to stay with or if the male relatives are considered unsafe. "The most-reported types of complaints of gender-based violence against women and girls lodged with the de facto police, prosecution units, and courts were murder, including murder perpetrated for reasons of so-called 'honour', rape, causing injury or disability, and depriving a woman of inheritance," the report said. Also read: UK's broken promises: Afghan Special Forces left in limbo, face threat of return to Taliban "The de facto Departments of Justice mostly received complaints of deprivation of inheritance and prevention of possession of personal property while the de facto Departments of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice mostly received complaints of deprivation of inheritance, prohibition of marriage or choosing a spouse, forced marriage, and battery and laceration," it added. Why this measure by the Taliban? Citing the Taliban, the UNAMA report said that women were sent to prisons for their protection “akin to how prisons have been used to accommodate drug addicts and homeless people in Kabul.” "Some de facto officials reported that to protect survivors, they requested a commitment – in some instances, sworn statements – from the survivor’s male relations that they would not harm the survivor and also invited local traditional elders to witness family members making this guarantee," the report further said. Also read: Online abuse targeting Afghan women increased since Taliban takeover, says report Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, women and girls in the country have been increasingly confined to their homes. They are only allowed to study till the sixth grade and are barred from getting a university education. Females are also barred from public spaces and most jobs. A fear of authorities Many survivors of gender-based violence preferred seeking redress through traditional dispute resolution mechanisms because of fear of the de facto authorities, the UNAMA report said. "The lack of clear delineation of responsibilities among the various de facto institutions on the handling of complaints of gender-based violence against women and girls and referrals between entities creates a gap in accountability for justice actors and makes it difficult for women and girls to know which entity to approach when they have a gender-based violence complaint," it said. The UNAMA pointed out that an "absence of women personnel (in de facto institutions) and inherent cultural dynamics potentially inadvertently, and by default, discouraged and inhibited survivors from lodging complaints, contributing to survivors’ and/or at-risk women and girls’ lack of trust in the de facto justice system." "There is no clear distinction by the de facto authorities between complaints of gender-based violence against women and girls of a criminal nature and those of a civil nature," the report further said.

Afghanistan: Taliban sending women to prisons to protect them from gender-based violence, says report

The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi announced its permanent closure, nearly two months after it announced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-embassy-in-india-announces-decision-to-cease-operations-from-oct-1-641365">operations of the embassy were being stopped</a>. The ceasing of the operations of the embassy wouldn't have meant a permanent closure in particular but now the embassy has moved forward by announcing a permanent closure altogether.&nbsp;

The embassy released an official statement and said: "Effective from November 23, 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally."

The closure of Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi comes over two years after the Taliban took over Kabul following the conclusive American military withdrawal from the country.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;New Delhi: Power tussle at Afghan embassy

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-delhi-power-tussle-at-afghan-embassy-592658/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Afghanistan's&nbsp;embassy said&nbsp;"that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests".

"To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added.

Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul".

The diplomats in Afghanistan's New Delhi embassy were employed by previously democratically elected and the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government.&nbsp;

As the Taliban neared Kabul on August 13, 2021, Ghani along with a few aides fled the country, concluding a dramatic collapse of Afghan forces and civilian administrative set-up.&nbsp;

<h2>Afghan community in India has left the nation: Embassy</h2>

The embassy noted that during the course of the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country.

Very limited new visas were issued during this period.

"We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added.

"Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritising the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government," the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement.

<h2>Spotlight on Taliban's denial of women's education</h2>

It added that the Afghan embassy "exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school".

In September 2021, the Taliban banned young girls beyond primary grades from attending schools.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus</a>&nbsp;

In December 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities. WION exclusively reached out to Afghan girls who lost their right to education under Taliban rule as they broke down the details of the moments when the Taliban shut the doors of their institutes on their faces.&nbsp;

<h2>Up to Indian government to consider alternatives: Afghan embassy</h2>

Afghanistan's embassy said that it is now up to New Delhi whether to&nbsp;maintain the closure of the embassy or consider alternatives.&nbsp;

"The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India," it added.

"We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times," the statement concluded.

&nbsp;

Prior to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi hosted conferences, and friendly cricket matches between institutes affiliated with the Afghan community in India, and was one of the most vibrant spots in New Delhi's closeted diplomatic enclave.&nbsp;<img alt="Students break into traditional Afghan dance in October 2019 | Mukul Sharma/WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a9c8a46-d00a-4c5b-a9d9-ebef772f99fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-24T114205.180.png" />

Students inside Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi break into traditional Afghan dance in October 2019 | Mukul Sharma/WION 
 
Friendly Cricket matches often concluded with traditional Afghan Attan dance amid hopeful expressions towards prosperity in Afghanistan, then mostly ruled by President Ashraf Ghani.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi announced its permanent closure, nearly two months after it announced that the operations of the embassy were being stopped.

The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi announced its permanent closure, nearly two months after it announced that the operations of the embassy were being stopped. The ceasing of the operations of the embassy wouldn't have meant a permanent closure in particular but now the embassy has moved forward by announcing a permanent closure altogether. The embassy released an official statement and said: "Effective from November 23, 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally." The closure of Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi comes over two years after the Taliban took over Kabul following the conclusive American military withdrawal from the country. Also watch | New Delhi: Power tussle at Afghan embassy × Afghanistan's embassy said "that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests". "To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added. Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul". The diplomats in Afghanistan's New Delhi embassy were employed by previously democratically elected and the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government. As the Taliban neared Kabul on August 13, 2021, Ghani along with a few aides fled the country, concluding a dramatic collapse of Afghan forces and civilian administrative set-up. Afghan community in India has left the nation: Embassy The embassy noted that during the course of the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country. Very limited new visas were issued during this period. "We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added. "Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritising the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government," the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement. Spotlight on Taliban's denial of women's education It added that the Afghan embassy "exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school". In September 2021, the Taliban banned young girls beyond primary grades from attending schools. Also read | Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus In December 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities. WION exclusively reached out to Afghan girls who lost their right to education under Taliban rule as they broke down the details of the moments when the Taliban shut the doors of their institutes on their faces. Up to Indian government to consider alternatives: Afghan embassy Afghanistan's embassy said that it is now up to New Delhi whether to maintain the closure of the embassy or consider alternatives. "The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India," it added. "We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times," the statement concluded. Prior to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi hosted conferences, and friendly cricket matches between institutes affiliated with the Afghan community in India, and was one of the most vibrant spots in New Delhi's closeted diplomatic enclave. Students inside Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi break into traditional Afghan dance in October 2019 | Mukul Sharma/WION Friendly Cricket matches often concluded with traditional Afghan Attan dance amid hopeful expressions towards prosperity in Afghanistan, then mostly ruled by President Ashraf Ghani.

Afghanistan's embassy puts onus on New Delhi to 'consider alternatives' against its closure

Defying the Taliban’s restrictions, the Afghanistan women’s volleyball team on Wednesday went through their paces during a rigorous training session – dressed in lycra leggings and shirts sporting the traditional colors of red, black, and green, the colors of the former government’s flag.

Iran's sports infrastructure provides safe haven for Afghan women

About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2023-what-is-stalling-the-progress-of-sustainable-development-goals-explained-637192">United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly</a> where the world leaders will also&nbsp;discuss the rights of Afghan women and children. In Kabul, Ghazala (22) misses the time she spent at her university.

It was during that typically dreadful exam season in Afghanistan in December 2022 that the Taliban ordered universities to shut their doors for millions of girls of her age and beyond.&nbsp;

But Ghazala, who was top of her class, and her classmates were excited for the new beginnings of a new semester that appeared just a few weeks away. Only to witness Taliban extremists turn the clock in opposite direction.&nbsp;

"They snatched away our smiles. Our abilities are now locked at home," Ghazala told WION in Dari language from Kabul over a phone interview.

Ghazala wondered the rights of Afghan women have become the bargaining chip for Taliban to legitimise their authority on international landscape.

"Our current government is not recognising that we have rights but at least the rest of the world should," said the&nbsp;former Political Science student.

Also read |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-after-hindenburgs-report-adani-groups-shares-in-free-fall-556546/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<a href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

Unicef, the United Nations children’s agency, says more than one million girls are affected by the ban on education, but local non-profits put the number at several million.

"Please ensure that our right to study is restored," Ghazala said, as her throat went&nbsp;heavy.

Controlling her tears, she gave this message for the world's leaders: "We just want access to our schools and universities. Please restore our right to study, and freedom to dream for a better future."&nbsp;

Officially, Taliban has banned girls beyond sixth grade from attending schools.

But Afghanistan's extremist rulers&nbsp;have instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10.&nbsp;

<h2>'Taliban think women&nbsp;are good at kitchen or better dead'</h2>

Gulnoor (28), a school administrator at a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, is deeply disappointed with the United Nations.&nbsp;

"Agendas are taken up, discussions take place, but no decisions are made in Afghan women's favour," Gulnoor told WION.&nbsp;

She asks of United Nations: "Since two years, the education is banned in this country. They [Taliban] have banned us from most of the jobs. Talibs think we are either good at kitchen or better dead.&nbsp;Don't they [United Nations] know all of this?"

"Nobody is serious about restoring our rights. I swear we are tired of this," Gulnoor said.&nbsp;

The Taliban, however, have allowed women to pursue nursing courses but the hardliner rulers have banned virtually every vocation that may involve a potential intermingling between men and women.&nbsp;

Dr Sona, a medical professional, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">denied a job at a Kabul clinic last year</a>. A few months ago, she was allowed to begin her practice&nbsp;at a Comprehensive Health Center (CHC). When WION spoke to her in December, Dr Sona was distraught.&nbsp;

This time around, she is willing to believe in a hope for change.&nbsp;

"We want nothing but restoration of education rights. Please reopen our schools and universities. We just want freedom to study. This is all we want if they [UN] are listening," Dr Sona said.

(The names in the story have been changed to protect identities.)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly where the world leaders will also discuss the rights of Afghan women and children.

About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly where the world leaders will also discuss the rights of Afghan women and children. In Kabul, Ghazala (22) misses the time she spent at her university. It was during that typically dreadful exam season in Afghanistan in December 2022 that the Taliban ordered universities to shut their doors for millions of girls of her age and beyond. But Ghazala, who was top of her class, and her classmates were excited for the new beginnings of a new semester that appeared just a few weeks away. Only to witness Taliban extremists turn the clock in opposite direction. "They snatched away our smiles. Our abilities are now locked at home," Ghazala told WION in Dari language from Kabul over a phone interview. Ghazala wondered the rights of Afghan women have become the bargaining chip for Taliban to legitimise their authority on international landscape. "Our current government is not recognising that we have rights but at least the rest of the world should," said the former Political Science student. Also read | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Unicef, the United Nations children’s agency, says more than one million girls are affected by the ban on education, but local non-profits put the number at several million. "Please ensure that our right to study is restored," Ghazala said, as her throat went heavy. Controlling her tears, she gave this message for the world's leaders: "We just want access to our schools and universities. Please restore our right to study, and freedom to dream for a better future." Officially, Taliban has banned girls beyond sixth grade from attending schools. But Afghanistan's extremist rulers have instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10. 'Taliban think women are good at kitchen or better dead' Gulnoor (28), a school administrator at a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, is deeply disappointed with the United Nations. "Agendas are taken up, discussions take place, but no decisions are made in Afghan women's favour," Gulnoor told WION. She asks of United Nations: "Since two years, the education is banned in this country. They [Taliban] have banned us from most of the jobs. Talibs think we are either good at kitchen or better dead. Don't they [United Nations] know all of this?" "Nobody is serious about restoring our rights. I swear we are tired of this," Gulnoor said. The Taliban, however, have allowed women to pursue nursing courses but the hardliner rulers have banned virtually every vocation that may involve a potential intermingling between men and women. Dr Sona, a medical professional, was denied a job at a Kabul clinic last year. A few months ago, she was allowed to begin her practice at a Comprehensive Health Center (CHC). When WION spoke to her in December, Dr Sona was distraught. This time around, she is willing to believe in a hope for change. "We want nothing but restoration of education rights. Please reopen our schools and universities. We just want freedom to study. This is all we want if they [UN] are listening," Dr Sona said. (The names in the story have been changed to protect identities.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: Afghan women ask United Nations to restore right to education under Taliban rule

Afghan booksellers continue to suffer amid Taliban's continuous onslaught against modern education with targeted actions against women's education rights. A recent assessment by a commission to address issues faced by booksellers in Afghanistan has revealed that nearly&nbsp;30 per cent of booksellers in Afghanistan have ceased their operations due to lack of a thriving market.

Abdul Wodod Mukhtarzada, a commission member, told Tolo News that in addition to the challenging market conditions, booksellers have also raised concerns about the burden of high taxes, which have become increasingly difficult to manage given the decline in their business.

Mukhtarzada highlighted, "We used to sell over 500 books and had a robust presence of 200 librarians. However, these numbers have dwindled significantly."

Numerous booksellers have expressed worry over the fading culture of book reading in Afghanistan.

Sharifullah, a bookseller, pointed out, "The absence of female students in universities is a contributing factor to the issues. This absence also impacts the book trade."

Mansour Qazizada, another bookseller, told Tolo News that the market has slowed down, and people lack the means to purchase books. He also mentioned the various taxes that booksellers are required to pay.

Qazizada elaborated, "As you are aware, the market is struggling, and people lack the financial capacity to buy books. Moreover, the presence of multiple types of taxes, along with representatives from the Kabul municipality, adds to our challenges."

Meanwhile, Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture claimed it will reduce&nbsp;the tax burden on libraries.

"We are working towards exempting taxes on books to encourage a tradition of reading. We have organised several exhibitions for this purpose,"&nbsp;Deputy Minister Mahajar Farahi was quoted as saying by Tolo News.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion</a>

Recently, a group of young individuals in Kabul organised the "Smart Way" book exhibition to boost&nbsp;the reading culture in Afghanistan.

Through such initiatives, the youth aimed to inspire residents, especially their peers, to engage in literature, amid the strict educational limitations imposed by the Taliban on young girls and women in Afghanistan.

One of the organisers, Sharifa Hesar told Tolo News:&nbsp;"We organised this exhibition to cultivate a reading culture among the youth. Books serve as a form of entertainment for them."

Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-from-the-ground-we-want-our-freedoms-back-556546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Farhad Malik Zada, another organiser, said, "Our aim is to strengthen the reading culture among young people through this exhibition."

The stagnation in the book-selling industry over the past two years has caused concern among booksellers in Kabul and surrounding regions of Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Afghan booksellers continue to suffer amid Taliban's continuous onslaught against modern education with targeted actions against women's education rights. A recent assessment by a commission to address issues faced by booksellers in Afghanistan has revealed that nearly 30 per cent of booksellers in Afghanistan have ceased their operations due to lack of a thriving market.

Afghan booksellers continue to suffer amid Taliban's continuous onslaught against modern education with targeted actions against women's education rights. A recent assessment by a commission to address issues faced by booksellers in Afghanistan has revealed that nearly 30 per cent of booksellers in Afghanistan have ceased their operations due to lack of a thriving market. Abdul Wodod Mukhtarzada, a commission member, told Tolo News that in addition to the challenging market conditions, booksellers have also raised concerns about the burden of high taxes, which have become increasingly difficult to manage given the decline in their business. Mukhtarzada highlighted, "We used to sell over 500 books and had a robust presence of 200 librarians. However, these numbers have dwindled significantly." Numerous booksellers have expressed worry over the fading culture of book reading in Afghanistan. Sharifullah, a bookseller, pointed out, "The absence of female students in universities is a contributing factor to the issues. This absence also impacts the book trade." Mansour Qazizada, another bookseller, told Tolo News that the market has slowed down, and people lack the means to purchase books. He also mentioned the various taxes that booksellers are required to pay. Qazizada elaborated, "As you are aware, the market is struggling, and people lack the financial capacity to buy books. Moreover, the presence of multiple types of taxes, along with representatives from the Kabul municipality, adds to our challenges." Meanwhile, Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture claimed it will reduce the tax burden on libraries. "We are working towards exempting taxes on books to encourage a tradition of reading. We have organised several exhibitions for this purpose," Deputy Minister Mahajar Farahi was quoted as saying by Tolo News. Also read | Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion Recently, a group of young individuals in Kabul organised the "Smart Way" book exhibition to boost the reading culture in Afghanistan. Through such initiatives, the youth aimed to inspire residents, especially their peers, to engage in literature, amid the strict educational limitations imposed by the Taliban on young girls and women in Afghanistan. One of the organisers, Sharifa Hesar told Tolo News: "We organised this exhibition to cultivate a reading culture among the youth. Books serve as a form of entertainment for them." Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Farhad Malik Zada, another organiser, said, "Our aim is to strengthen the reading culture among young people through this exhibition." The stagnation in the book-selling industry over the past two years has caused concern among booksellers in Kabul and surrounding regions of Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan: Booksellers suffer as sales dip amid tax hike, Taliban ban on women's education

The past few weeks have been difficult&nbsp;for Gulnoor (28), a school administrator in a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. Last month, in the school where Gulnoor is employed, she witnessed a tearful farewell of grade six girls, beyond which the girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to study due to 'new rules' imposed by the country's Taliban rulers.&nbsp;

This writer has been in touch with Gulnoor for the past few weeks. She is rarely upbeat.&nbsp;

But something changed when Gulnoor was asked if Afghanistan had 'transformed' under Taliban's rule, as claimed in an article in The Telegraph authored by Tobias Ellwood, a Member of Parliament representing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. 
<img alt="Tobias Ellwood, chairman of UK House of Commons defence select committee | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8dc47fa-a623-4a32-9550-d90a8ab79d4b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-22T204521.422.png" />

Tobias Ellwood, chairman of UK House of Commons defence select committee | Reuters

Ellwood, in an article published earlier this week -&nbsp;'Is it time we did business with Taliban' – argued that the UK must reopen its embassy in Afghanistan given the 'relative peace' brought about by the South Asian nation's new rulers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-say-overturning-restrictions-against-afghan-women-not-a-priority-report-552865">Taliban say overturning restrictions against Afghan women, not a priority</a>

Ellwood, who published his piece after a recent visit to Afghanistan, was widely criticised, especially for sidelining the repression of women's rights in Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gulnoor sent out a mildly graphic video over a messenger app that showed an authoritative man in a traditional Pashtoon outfit uprooting the hair of a youngster, supposedly because his hairstyle was not in accordance with what has come to be known as 'new rules', a euphemism among educated Afghans for the Shariah-based arbitrary rules imposed by Afghanistan's Taliban's rulers since they took control of the country two years ago.

 
<img alt="Screengrab of a video shared by Gulnoor that she attributed as an evidence to Taliban's tyranny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62c6e23f-d6d0-4f3d-bb93-26564e732258" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-22T203427.363.png" /> 
 
Screengrab of a video shared by Gulnoor that she attributed as an evidence to Taliban's tyranny

"You can see how transformed the situation in Afghanistan has become," Gulnoor said in a subsequent voice message while referring to the man being beaten up in the video. 
 
"Nothing is positive for us women. I don't know what he [Ellwood] saw that made him believe that the new rulers have transformed the country. Nothing is transformed. Nothing is right here," Gulnoor added.&nbsp;

<h2>'Women need freedom not just peace'</h2>

Ellwood further argued that the Taliban is now issuing work permits across sectors, a claim refuted by a number of Afghan women that WION reached out to.

"Battlefields are now cotton fields full of working men and women," Ellwood added while referring to his recent Afghanistan visit and the purported sense of 'relative peace' he witnessed there.

"Yes, now our country is at peace," Zareena, 24, told WION from a Kabul suburb. "But women of Afghanistan don't just need peace. They need to go to schools, attend university and get jobs," she added, referring to a series of repression of women's rights in Afghanistan that the Taliban have deployed almost as a way to assert their theological authority. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them</a> 
 
In Afghanistan's warred-out terrain ridden with signs of years of conflict in the country's recent history, there are thousands of single-women households who lost their men to war. Before the Taliban's takeover of power, the women worked in cities to provide for their households. Not any longer. 
 
Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-after-hindenburgs-report-adani-groups-shares-in-free-fall-556546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Referring to the Taliban's ban on beauty salons in Afghanistan, Zareena added: "When a woman [previously] working at a salon would hear that her workplace is closed, it is akin to killing her. Because that salon gave her money with which she bought food for herself and her children."

"We do not want just peace. We want freedom. We want to work."

After massive backlash, Tobias Ellwood has backtracked on his latest comments on the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan. Ellwood has&nbsp;admitted that he "got it wrong" and has deleted a video filmed in Afghanistan, in which he praised the Taliban.

(Names have been changed in the story to protect identities.) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The past few weeks have been difficult for Gulnoor (28), a school administrator in a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. Last month, in the school where Gulnoor is employed, she witnessed a tearful farewell of grade six girls, beyond which the girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to study due to 'new rules' imposed by the country's Taliban rulers.

The past few weeks have been difficult for Gulnoor (28), a school administrator in a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. Last month, in the school where Gulnoor is employed, she witnessed a tearful farewell of grade six girls, beyond which the girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to study due to 'new rules' imposed by the country's Taliban rulers. This writer has been in touch with Gulnoor for the past few weeks. She is rarely upbeat. But something changed when Gulnoor was asked if Afghanistan had 'transformed' under Taliban's rule, as claimed in an article in The Telegraph authored by Tobias Ellwood, a Member of Parliament representing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. Tobias Ellwood, chairman of UK House of Commons defence select committee | Reuters Ellwood, in an article published earlier this week - 'Is it time we did business with Taliban' – argued that the UK must reopen its embassy in Afghanistan given the 'relative peace' brought about by the South Asian nation's new rulers. Also read | Taliban say overturning restrictions against Afghan women, not a priority Ellwood, who published his piece after a recent visit to Afghanistan, was widely criticised, especially for sidelining the repression of women's rights in Afghanistan. Gulnoor sent out a mildly graphic video over a messenger app that showed an authoritative man in a traditional Pashtoon outfit uprooting the hair of a youngster, supposedly because his hairstyle was not in accordance with what has come to be known as 'new rules', a euphemism among educated Afghans for the Shariah-based arbitrary rules imposed by Afghanistan's Taliban's rulers since they took control of the country two years ago. Screengrab of a video shared by Gulnoor that she attributed as an evidence to Taliban's tyranny "You can see how transformed the situation in Afghanistan has become," Gulnoor said in a subsequent voice message while referring to the man being beaten up in the video. "Nothing is positive for us women. I don't know what he [Ellwood] saw that made him believe that the new rulers have transformed the country. Nothing is transformed. Nothing is right here," Gulnoor added. 'Women need freedom not just peace' Ellwood further argued that the Taliban is now issuing work permits across sectors, a claim refuted by a number of Afghan women that WION reached out to. "Battlefields are now cotton fields full of working men and women," Ellwood added while referring to his recent Afghanistan visit and the purported sense of 'relative peace' he witnessed there. "Yes, now our country is at peace," Zareena, 24, told WION from a Kabul suburb. "But women of Afghanistan don't just need peace. They need to go to schools, attend university and get jobs," she added, referring to a series of repression of women's rights in Afghanistan that the Taliban have deployed almost as a way to assert their theological authority. Also read | Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them In Afghanistan's warred-out terrain ridden with signs of years of conflict in the country's recent history, there are thousands of single-women households who lost their men to war. Before the Taliban's takeover of power, the women worked in cities to provide for their households. Not any longer. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Referring to the Taliban's ban on beauty salons in Afghanistan, Zareena added: "When a woman [previously] working at a salon would hear that her workplace is closed, it is akin to killing her. Because that salon gave her money with which she bought food for herself and her children." "We do not want just peace. We want freedom. We want to work." After massive backlash, Tobias Ellwood has backtracked on his latest comments on the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan. Ellwood has admitted that he "got it wrong" and has deleted a video filmed in Afghanistan, in which he praised the Taliban. (Names have been changed in the story to protect identities.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule

For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar.&nbsp;

Gen-Z, their predecessor millennials and even the people from Gen-X often take to social media when they are behind or near the wheel, to show a fleeting world in front of the car's windshield sometimes accompanied by a particular music track.

For Zareena, 24, who last year lost her right to attend university in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's capital Kabul, a behind-the-steering-wheel Snapchat update while she was on Kabul's roads was a part of her life until August 2021. Not anymore.&nbsp;

Afghan women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are not allowed to drive or travel in taxis without a male companion and they must be covered in burqa while travelling in a four-wheeler, WION can confirm.&nbsp;

By the time Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an official decree in May 2022 to women to hide their faces completely in public, they had already been following the same for the last eight months.

But there has been scattered defiance of this ruling across Afghanistan as many women refuse to wear burqas and still walk the streets with their faces uncovered.

"Women cannot even sit in the front chair of&nbsp;taxi," Zareena told WION.

"We cannot travel alone in a taxi," she added.

Zareena also showed WION the screenshots of those glittery Snapchat updates of a distant time in recent history. For innumerable youngsters of her age across the world – Afghanistan an exception – such social media updates still pretty much remain part of their lives. But not for Zareena.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-from-the-ground-we-want-our-freedoms-back-556546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Taliban strictly enforce the rule to bar women from driving themselves or travelling alone in a taxi. “Even when you are travelling with a male member, they ask at checkpoints who the female person is in the car,” said Zareena, who previously told WION that every aspect of her life – like millions of Afghan women – is controlled by the Taliban.&nbsp;

<h2>'Taliban men humiliate us if we travel alone'</h2>

In May 2023, Gulnoor, 28, a school administrator in Afghanistan's Jalalabad, was returning home after attending a seminar. "I was travelling alone in an autorickshaw," Gulnoor told WION in a phone interview from Jalalabad.&nbsp;"They [Taliban] stopped the auto and asked me: 'What is your relation with this man?' I told them&nbsp;he's a driver and I am his passenger."

"Don't you care about the teachings of Islam?", she was asked.&nbsp;

The Taliban men called Gulnoor's father as people looked on. "She has been educated so that she doesn't have to be taken care of by a man. She can travel alone," Gulnoor's father told Taliban men over call.&nbsp;

As people looked on, Gulnoor was eventually let go with a warning. 
 
"They told me we do not talk with women. 'We have spoken to your father. Now you can leave'. They slapped the autorickshaw driver twice and told him to not ferry a girl again unless there's a male member with her."

"They humiliate us in public like this if we travel alone," Gulnoor said.

"I asked them, if a girl is unmarried, from where will she get a husband? What about girls who don't have brothers or fathers? If there is no male member in a family, then what?"

"They told me you know a lot. We don't want to talk to you. We have already spoken with your father."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-why-is-the-world-neglecting-afghan-women-552725">Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?'</a>

Referring to a series of repressive measures that the Taliban has enforced since storming into power, Zareena repeated how every aspect of women’s lives in Afghanistan is now controlled by the&nbsp;country’s hardline rulers: "We cannot sit alone in taxis. We cannot go to school. Now the Taliban closed down all beauty salons as well. They had already closed down picnic spots for women."

(Names have been changed to protect identities)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar.

For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar. Gen-Z, their predecessor millennials and even the people from Gen-X often take to social media when they are behind or near the wheel, to show a fleeting world in front of the car's windshield sometimes accompanied by a particular music track. For Zareena, 24, who last year lost her right to attend university in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's capital Kabul, a behind-the-steering-wheel Snapchat update while she was on Kabul's roads was a part of her life until August 2021. Not anymore. Afghan women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are not allowed to drive or travel in taxis without a male companion and they must be covered in burqa while travelling in a four-wheeler, WION can confirm. By the time Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an official decree in May 2022 to women to hide their faces completely in public, they had already been following the same for the last eight months. But there has been scattered defiance of this ruling across Afghanistan as many women refuse to wear burqas and still walk the streets with their faces uncovered. "Women cannot even sit in the front chair of taxi," Zareena told WION. "We cannot travel alone in a taxi," she added. Zareena also showed WION the screenshots of those glittery Snapchat updates of a distant time in recent history. For innumerable youngsters of her age across the world – Afghanistan an exception – such social media updates still pretty much remain part of their lives. But not for Zareena. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × The Taliban strictly enforce the rule to bar women from driving themselves or travelling alone in a taxi. “Even when you are travelling with a male member, they ask at checkpoints who the female person is in the car,” said Zareena, who previously told WION that every aspect of her life – like millions of Afghan women – is controlled by the Taliban. 'Taliban men humiliate us if we travel alone' In May 2023, Gulnoor, 28, a school administrator in Afghanistan's Jalalabad, was returning home after attending a seminar. "I was travelling alone in an autorickshaw," Gulnoor told WION in a phone interview from Jalalabad. "They [Taliban] stopped the auto and asked me: 'What is your relation with this man?' I told them he's a driver and I am his passenger." "Don't you care about the teachings of Islam?", she was asked. The Taliban men called Gulnoor's father as people looked on. "She has been educated so that she doesn't have to be taken care of by a man. She can travel alone," Gulnoor's father told Taliban men over call. As people looked on, Gulnoor was eventually let go with a warning. "They told me we do not talk with women. 'We have spoken to your father. Now you can leave'. They slapped the autorickshaw driver twice and told him to not ferry a girl again unless there's a male member with her." "They humiliate us in public like this if we travel alone," Gulnoor said. "I asked them, if a girl is unmarried, from where will she get a husband? What about girls who don't have brothers or fathers? If there is no male member in a family, then what?" "They told me you know a lot. We don't want to talk to you. We have already spoken with your father." Also read | Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?' Referring to a series of repressive measures that the Taliban has enforced since storming into power, Zareena repeated how every aspect of women’s lives in Afghanistan is now controlled by the country’s hardline rulers: "We cannot sit alone in taxis. We cannot go to school. Now the Taliban closed down all beauty salons as well. They had already closed down picnic spots for women." (Names have been changed to protect identities) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion

Across Afghanistan, thousands of beauty parlours closed down on Tuesday (July 25). One of the last few revenue streams available to Afghan women and a cherished space for socialising, beauty parlours in the South Asian nation are now permanently closed following an order by Afghanistan rulers Taliban.&nbsp;

This ban is the latest in a series of Taliban orders curtailing the already limited freedoms women had in Afghanistan, following the 2021 chaotic withdrawal of United States troops.

<h2>Women, employment and an economy in crisis&nbsp;</h2>

On Tuesday, as per AFP, many salons in Kabul had already closed, while others attempted to stay open till the last possible minute.&nbsp;

Talking to the new agency, one proprietor said that she had been forced to sign a declaration saying that she was shutting down her salon willingly, and would hand in her licence to operate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-orders-closure-of-hair-and-beauty-salons-in-afghanistan-further-restricting-womens-rights-611826">Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights</a>

"The scene was terrible — they came with military vehicles and guns," she said on the condition of anonymity.

"What can a woman do in the face of so much insistence and pressure?"

Reuters reports that as per industry estimates, the ban will lead to the closure of some 12,000 beauty businesses and around 60,000 women losing their jobs.&nbsp;

The UN Secretary General's special representative in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva told Reuters that the ban "will disproportionately impact female entrepreneurs, which is a setback for resilience, poverty reduction, and economic recovery."

As per the International Labor Organization (ILO),&nbsp;the ban will create a "significant" decrease in women's employment.&nbsp;

<h2>Why beauty salons are important to Afghan women</h2>

Apart from the above-mentioned financial aspects, beauty salons in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan provided the women with a female-only space where they could meet outside their homes.&nbsp;

They served as a safe space where women could gather without a male chaperone, socialise and even prepare for celebrations like weddings.

<h2>The ban order</h2>

Taliban announced the ban on beauty salons last month. In June, the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced the forced closures, giving women a grace period to comply with the order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-afghan-women-react-to-veiled-attempts-to-legitimise-talibans-rule-618494">Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule</a>

AFP reports that the ministry claimed that extravagant sums spent on beauty treatments like makeovers cause hardship for poor families. Labelling some treatments 'un-Islamic', it further said that too much make-up prevents women from proper ablutions for prayer.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Across Afghanistan, thousands of beauty parlours closed down on Tuesday (July 25). One of the last few revenue streams available to Afghan women and a cherished space for socialising, beauty parlours in the South Asian nation are now permanently closed following an order by Afghanistan rulers Taliban.

Across Afghanistan, thousands of beauty parlours closed down on Tuesday (July 25). One of the last few revenue streams available to Afghan women and a cherished space for socialising, beauty parlours in the South Asian nation are now permanently closed following an order by Afghanistan rulers Taliban. This ban is the latest in a series of Taliban orders curtailing the already limited freedoms women had in Afghanistan, following the 2021 chaotic withdrawal of United States troops. Women, employment and an economy in crisis On Tuesday, as per AFP, many salons in Kabul had already closed, while others attempted to stay open till the last possible minute. Talking to the new agency, one proprietor said that she had been forced to sign a declaration saying that she was shutting down her salon willingly, and would hand in her licence to operate. Also read | Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights "The scene was terrible — they came with military vehicles and guns," she said on the condition of anonymity. "What can a woman do in the face of so much insistence and pressure?" Reuters reports that as per industry estimates, the ban will lead to the closure of some 12,000 beauty businesses and around 60,000 women losing their jobs. The UN Secretary General's special representative in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva told Reuters that the ban "will disproportionately impact female entrepreneurs, which is a setback for resilience, poverty reduction, and economic recovery." As per the International Labor Organization (ILO), the ban will create a "significant" decrease in women's employment. Why beauty salons are important to Afghan women Apart from the above-mentioned financial aspects, beauty salons in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan provided the women with a female-only space where they could meet outside their homes. They served as a safe space where women could gather without a male chaperone, socialise and even prepare for celebrations like weddings. The ban order Taliban announced the ban on beauty salons last month. In June, the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced the forced closures, giving women a grace period to comply with the order. Also read | Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule AFP reports that the ministry claimed that extravagant sums spent on beauty treatments like makeovers cause hardship for poor families. Labelling some treatments 'un-Islamic', it further said that too much make-up prevents women from proper ablutions for prayer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghan women lose another safe space as Taliban's beauty salon ban comes into force

As the world watched Kabul fall and the Taliban take over in 2021 following the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, Jennifer Lawrence and producer Justine Ciarrochhi got busy looking for ways to support women in the country.&nbsp;

"Jen's first response was to find an Afghan filmmaker and give them a platform," Ciarrocchi told The Hollywood Reporter. 
 
They eventually found director Sahra Mani&nbsp;whose 2019 documentary A Thousand Girls Like Me looked at a sexually abused woman's quest for justice. The result was the three collaborated on a documentary called Bread and Roses.&nbsp; 
 
On Sunday the documentary about the daily lives of three women after the Taliban's resurgence premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in a special screening. "This film has a message from women in Afghanistan, a soft message; please be their voice who are voiceless under Taliban dictatorship," said Mani at the premiere. 
 
The documentary has been backed by Excellent Cadaver, a production company set up by Lawrence and her producer friend Justine Ciarrocchi. 
 
The director said in an interview on the Cannes website that she wanted to show the reality of how drastically life has changed under the Taliban women, even if filming was difficult. "Now that women can no longer leave the house without the veil, I thought we should tell their stories," she said. 
 
The safety of the camera crews and the people filmed was of top priority, said Mani, who currently lives in France. 
"The way in which their lives have changed under the Taliban is an everyday reality for us, it's life under a dictatorship, a cruel reality we cannot ignore."

As the world watched Kabul fall and the Taliban take over in 2021 following the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, Jennifer Lawrence and producer Justine Ciarrochhi got busy looking for ways to support women in the country.

As the world watched Kabul fall and the Taliban take over in 2021 following the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, Jennifer Lawrence and producer Justine Ciarrochhi got busy looking for ways to support women in the country. "Jen's first response was to find an Afghan filmmaker and give them a platform," Ciarrocchi told The Hollywood Reporter. They eventually found director Sahra Mani whose 2019 documentary A Thousand Girls Like Me looked at a sexually abused woman's quest for justice. The result was the three collaborated on a documentary called Bread and Roses. On Sunday the documentary about the daily lives of three women after the Taliban's resurgence premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in a special screening. "This film has a message from women in Afghanistan, a soft message; please be their voice who are voiceless under Taliban dictatorship," said Mani at the premiere. The documentary has been backed by Excellent Cadaver, a production company set up by Lawrence and her producer friend Justine Ciarrocchi. The director said in an interview on the Cannes website that she wanted to show the reality of how drastically life has changed under the Taliban women, even if filming was difficult. "Now that women can no longer leave the house without the veil, I thought we should tell their stories," she said. The safety of the camera crews and the people filmed was of top priority, said Mani, who currently lives in France. "The way in which their lives have changed under the Taliban is an everyday reality for us, it's life under a dictatorship, a cruel reality we cannot ignore."

Jennifer Lawrence-backed documentary on Afghan women premieres at Cannes 2023

Ahead of a UN summit that would take place next week, Afghan women rallied in Kabul on Saturday, defying a crackdown on dissent. They demanded that other countries refrain from formally recognising the Taliban regime.

Since the Taliban took back control in 2021, protesters who voiced opposition to growing restrictions on women's rights have been physically assaulted or imprisoned, and security forces have fired shots into the air to break up some demonstrations.

However, sporadic gatherings organised by small groups of women have continued.

In preparation of a summit in Doha, which the UN claims will address a "durable way forward" for the country, some 25 people marched through a residential area of the Afghan capital on Saturday.

The women chanted during the march, which lasted barely more than 10 minutes and ended without a run-in with security forces.&nbsp;

Their chants included "Afghan people, hostages of Taliban" and "We will fight, we will die, we will take our rights".

Since the Taliban took over control after the withdrawal of US soldiers from Afghanistan in 2021, no country has yet recognised the administration as legitimate.

Only Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia officially recognised the former Taliban government, which governed from 1996 to 2001.

NGOs, relief organisations, and diplomats are all split on the subject at the moment.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-consulted-ex-pak-army-chief-gen-bajwa-before-urging-india-to-send-diplomats-to-kabul-586592">Taliban 'consulted' ex-Pak army chief Gen Bajwa before urging India to send diplomats to Kabul</a>

Some people think the possibility of recognition could persuade the Taliban to reverse restrictions on women's rights.

Others claim that by even bringing up the subject, the Taliban gain some legitimacy at a time when they are actively excluding women from public life.

UN's deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed&nbsp;stated last week that the Doha summit, which begins on Monday, may see envoys discuss 'baby steps' on a path to recognition, though with restrictions.

Afghanistan's "de facto authorities" have not received an invitation to the Doha summit, according to the UN.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Ahead of a UN summit that would take place next week, Afghan women rallied in Kabul on Saturday, defying a crackdown on dissent. They demanded that other countries refrain from formally recognising the Taliban regime.

Ahead of a UN summit that would take place next week, Afghan women rallied in Kabul on Saturday, defying a crackdown on dissent. They demanded that other countries refrain from formally recognising the Taliban regime. Since the Taliban took back control in 2021, protesters who voiced opposition to growing restrictions on women's rights have been physically assaulted or imprisoned, and security forces have fired shots into the air to break up some demonstrations. However, sporadic gatherings organised by small groups of women have continued. In preparation of a summit in Doha, which the UN claims will address a "durable way forward" for the country, some 25 people marched through a residential area of the Afghan capital on Saturday. The women chanted during the march, which lasted barely more than 10 minutes and ended without a run-in with security forces. Their chants included "Afghan people, hostages of Taliban" and "We will fight, we will die, we will take our rights". Since the Taliban took over control after the withdrawal of US soldiers from Afghanistan in 2021, no country has yet recognised the administration as legitimate. Only Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia officially recognised the former Taliban government, which governed from 1996 to 2001. NGOs, relief organisations, and diplomats are all split on the subject at the moment. ALSO READ | Taliban 'consulted' ex-Pak army chief Gen Bajwa before urging India to send diplomats to Kabul Some people think the possibility of recognition could persuade the Taliban to reverse restrictions on women's rights. Others claim that by even bringing up the subject, the Taliban gain some legitimacy at a time when they are actively excluding women from public life. UN's deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed stated last week that the Doha summit, which begins on Monday, may see envoys discuss 'baby steps' on a path to recognition, though with restrictions. Afghanistan's "de facto authorities" have not received an invitation to the Doha summit, according to the UN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Afghan women protest in Kabul, urge other countries not to recognise Taliban regime

afghan-women

Afghan Women, News on Afghan Women, stories on Afghan Women, articles on Afghan Women, Afghan Women stories at Wion, Afghan Women news, Afghan Women latest news

afghan women