The Taliban’s latest decree banning windows overlooking women’s spaces in Afghanistan has sparked international outrage and deepened concerns about the erosion of women’s rights in the country.
At a Glance
- Taliban leader bans windows overlooking areas used by Afghan women
- New buildings must not have windows facing courtyards, kitchens, or wells
- Existing windows must be blocked to prevent “obscene acts”
- Move is part of ongoing restrictions on women’s freedoms since Taliban’s return to power
- United Nations criticizes actions as “gender apartheid”
Taliban’s Latest Restrictions on Women
The Taliban’s Supreme Leader has issued a decree banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas typically used by Afghan women. This latest measure is part of a series of actions aimed at further restricting women’s freedoms since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
According to the decree, new buildings should not have windows overlooking courtyards, kitchens, or wells, which are spaces commonly used by women. Existing windows that allow views into such areas must be blocked to prevent what the Taliban refers to as “obscene acts.” Municipal authorities have been tasked with monitoring construction sites to ensure compliance with this new regulation.
Justification and Implementation
The Taliban has attempted to justify this extreme measure by claiming it is necessary to protect women’s modesty and prevent immoral behavior. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid explained the reasoning behind the ban:
“Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts,” Zabihullah Mujahid said.
This statement reveals the Taliban’s perspective on women’s visibility and their role in society. By restricting even the most basic aspects of daily life, such as women performing household chores, the Taliban continues to push for the complete isolation of women from public view.
Ongoing Erosion of Women’s Rights
The window ban is just the latest in a long list of restrictions imposed on Afghan women since the Taliban regained control. Women have been increasingly removed from public spaces, with bans on post-primary education for girls, restrictions on employment, and blocked access to parks and public places. A recent law even prohibits women from singing or reciting poetry in public and encourages them to “veil” their voices and bodies outside the home.
“There is an ongoing, dangerous erosion of human rights protections, with women and girls bearing the brunt,” Roza Otunbayeva said.
The United Nations has strongly criticized these actions, labeling them as “gender apartheid.” The international community faces growing pressure to respond effectively to protect female liberties in Afghanistan. However, the response remains uncertain, as many countries, including the United States, do not formally recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government.
International Response and Concerns
The global reaction to the Taliban’s continued suppression of women’s rights has been one of condemnation and concern. The United Nations has urged the Taliban to respect women’s rights, emphasizing their importance for the nation’s future. However, some critics argue that the international community’s response has been insufficient.
As the situation for women in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, the need for effective international intervention becomes increasingly urgent. The Taliban’s claim that Islamic law “guarantees” the rights of Afghan men and women stands in stark contrast to the reality on the ground, where women face systematic discrimination and loss of basic freedoms.
