Taliban announced the formation of its interim government on Tuesday. There was not even one woman among the 33 members.
In their first press conference after the takeover of Kabul, spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had said the group would honour women and assured that it was ready to provide them with the opportunity to be “present in different government (structures) according to Islamic law and in accordance with our cultural values”, reports Dawn.
In late August, the group had also said that they wanted an inclusive government (inclusion of other Afghan parties and groups) in the country.
Later, International and Pakistani journalists started questioning the absence of women, with most not expressing any surprise.
The Taliban said they would form an inclusive govt. They appear to have meant a govt representing different tribes, but which included only Taliban officials (and no women).
— Sune Engel Rasmussen (@SuneEngel) September 7, 2021
Taliban’s foot soldier/ rank and file and ideology has “prevailed” in round one. As expected it’s a big NO to the demand of an “inclusive” govt and women representation for now. Not surprising at all. #kabul #Afghanistan #Taliban
— Adil Shahzeb (@adilshahzeb) September 7, 2021
There is no female included in the #Taliban Cabinet and they have eliminated women’s ministry from the #Afghanistan cabinet.
— Abdul Farid Ahmad (@FaridAhmad1919) September 7, 2021
Also there is no Ethnics balance in the Taliban cabinet.
No representation of women and minorities in newly established Government under Afghan Taliban. Says a lot about ‘badlay huay’ changed Tbs 2.0 pic.twitter.com/21JsYAM9Zp
— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) September 7, 2021
All men. All mullahs. All middle aged. https://t.co/ZWim0ee2Hm
— Sana Safi ثنا ساپۍ (@BBCSanaSafi) September 7, 2021
The acting body is stacked with veterans of Taliban’s hardline rule from the 1990s and the 20-year battle against the US.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is on the FBI’s most-wanted list with a reward of up to $10 million, has been appointed to the key post of interior minister.
The country will be led by Mohammad Hasan Akhund who is on a UN sanctions list and was previously the foreign minister and then deputy prime minister during the Taliban’s last stint in power from 1996-2001.
