World News: Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, the landscape for womens rights in Afghanistan has drastically deteriorated. The regime has implemented a series of brutal measures that have stripped women and girls of their fundamental rights, including access to education, employment, and public spaces. This regression has not only affected Afghan women but has also dealt a significant blow to global efforts advocating for womens rights.A Regressive GovernmentThe Talibans return to power marks a troubling chapter in Afghanistans history, characterized by the establishment of an extremely regressive government. Prominent actress Meryl Streep highlighted this dire situation during an event at the UN General Assembly in September 2022, stating, A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today because the public parks have been closed to women and girls by the Taliban. A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not, and a woman may not in public. Such stark comparisons emphasize the severity of the restrictions imposed on women.Denial of Education and EmploymentOne of the most alarming actions taken by the Taliban is the outright ban on education for girls and women. The Ministry of Education has prohibited girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade, forcing many students out of universities and colleges under threat of violence.This restriction not only limits educational opportunities but also undermines womens potential contributions to society.Moreover, women have been systematically excluded from both government and private sector jobs, severely hindering international aid efforts crucial for Afghanistans recovery. The impact of this exclusion is profound, as it denies women their independence and economic agency.Silencing Womens VoicesThe Taliban has introduced bizarre and oppressive rules that further silence women. One particularly egregious regulation bans women from being heard in public spaces they are forbidden from reading, singing, or even speaking aloud. According to their interpretation of Sharia law, a womans voice is considered a temptation, leading to severe repercussions if heard—even within their own homes.Restrictions on VisibilityIn an attempt to erase womens presence from public life, the Talibans supreme leader has mandated that no windows be constructed in residential buildings facing areas where women might be seen. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban government, stated that seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards, or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts, reflecting an alarming mindset that seeks to control womens visibility.Closure of Essential ProgramsThe closure of female medical education programs has further exacerbated the plight of women in Afghanistan. In December 2022, a decree was issued barring female medical students from attending college, effectively shutting down vital midwifery and nursing programs that served as critical pathways for womens education and healthcare.Reversal of FreedomsIn 2023, the Taliban reversed previous allowances for womens hair and beauty salons after two years of operations. This decision reflects their broader agenda to restrict womens autonomy over their bodies and choices. The regime claims that such services interfere with Islamic practices related to prayer.The situation for women in Afghanistan remains dire as they face increasing oppression under Taliban rule. The international community must continue to advocate for their rights and support efforts aimed at restoring basic freedoms.
