The Taliban authorities have imposed yet another restriction on womenfolk in Afghanistan, issuing an order to shut down beauty salons within a month, according to the morality ministry.
Afghan women continue to struggle under the rule of the Taliban government as the directive marks another step in limiting public spaces for them.
A spokesperson for the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, Mohammad Sadiq Akif, shared the news as he referred to a notice issued by the ministry.
“The deadline for the closing of beauty parlours for women is one month,” he said.
As foreign forces withdrew and the Taliban regained power in 2021, access and freedoms for Afghan women have faced increasing restrictions. Since then the authorities have closed most girls’ high schools, prevented women from pursuing higher education, and hindered the ability of female Afghan aid workers to carry out their duties. Numerous public places, including bathhouses, gyms and parks, have also been off-limits to women.
The administration claims to respect women’s rights based on its interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan customs. However, recent actions further curtail the freedoms and opportunities available to Afghan women.
Foreign governments and UN officials have criticized these measures.
