This month, the Taliban also began removing books written by women from the country’s universities, a decision they say is in accordance with Sharia law.
New Delhi
Recently, an internet ban was imposed in Afghanistan, resulting in the nationwide shutdown of internet and mobile telephone services. While the Taliban administration has not provided any clarification on this, the move has raised concerns. In recent days, the Taliban have expressed concern about online pornography. It is also true that since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, restrictions on women and freedom of expression have been increasing. Human rights groups and foreign governments have also criticized this. This year, the Taliban have taken several steps that curtail women’s freedom, which are truly worrying. Take a look at some of these restrictions.
Ban on internet
On September 17, the Taliban announced a blockade of the internet across a large part of northern Afghanistan to prevent illegal activities. The blockade covers five provinces – Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar, and Balkh – and the main populated areas of the region. The Taliban say the blockade does not include mobile phone data.
Books written by women were removed.
According to a New York Times report, this month the Taliban began removing books written by women from the country’s universities. In addition to the book ban, the Taliban also directed universities to remove 18 courses on democracy, human rights, and women’s studies. The Taliban have described this decision as being in accordance with Sharia law. The Taliban have also banned the teaching of subjects related to human rights, women’s studies, and sexual harassment. These bans are in addition to long-standing bans on girls’ secondary education (grades 7-12) and women’s university education.
Ban on chess
In May of this year, the Taliban banned chess, citing concerns that it was fueling gambling addiction. The Taliban considers gambling a social evil. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) stated that it regretted the decision. The ban would harm the sport’s development and deprive Afghan players of opportunities to showcase their talent.
Women aid workers are also banned.
The Taliban ordered Afghan female NGO workers to stop working outside the home in 2022. Following the recent earthquake, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged Taliban officials to lift restrictions on Afghan female aid workers, allow them to travel without male guardians, and help women struggling to access care after two powerful earthquakes killed 2,200 people in the eastern part of the country. The Taliban have not yet made any decisions on this matter.
Ban on services
In some areas of Afghanistan, women cannot receive treatment from male doctors. Furthermore, if they are not accompanied by a male guardian, they are often turned away from hospitals or clinics.
public speech
In an order, public speech by women has been termed as a ‘moral violation’.
These restrictions came in 2024
Additionally, orders issued in December 2024 prohibited women from learning nursing and midwifery, blocking access to healthcare services for women. Also issued in December 2024, Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada issued an order stating that windows in new and existing buildings should not face areas where women might be present, such as courtyards or kitchens. New media censorship regulations also implemented in 2024 prohibited women from speaking on the radio.