KABUL: The Taliban have threatened to shut down all national and foreign nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) in Afghanistan that employ women.
The development comes two years after authorities instructed NGOs to stop employing Afghan women, citing allegations that they were not wearing the Islamic headscarf appropriately.
In a letter published on X, the Economy Ministry warned that failure to comply with the latest order would cause the NGOs to lose their licence to operate in Afghanistan.
The ministry said it was responsible for the registration, coordination, leadership, and supervision of all activities conducted by national and foreign organisations.
The government is once again ordering the stoppage of all female staff in institutions not controlled by the Taliban.
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“In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be cancelled and the activity license of that institution, granted by the ministry, will also be cancelled,” it said in the letter.
The Taliban have already stopped women from many jobs and most public spaces. They have also barred them from education beyond sixth grade.
Taliban Ban Windows to Stop Women’s Exposure
Meanwhile, the Taliban have implemented a ban on constructing windows that could allow women in private spaces to be visible or expose them to the view of neighbouring houses.
This new directive, impacting building designs, was issued following an order from the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid explained that the ban aims to prevent “improper exposure,” citing concerns over women being observed while performing routine tasks like fetching water or working in the kitchen.
On their official X account, the Taliban emphasised that seeing women in such contexts could be considered inappropriate and offensive.
The directive further mandates that new buildings be designed to avoid windows that overlook private areas, including kitchens, courtyards, wells, or other spaces commonly used by women.
The Taliban’s decision has been widely condemned by global organisations, including the United Nations.
