The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has recently mandated the closure of beauty salons within a month, according to an announcement by the morality ministry.
This decision adds to the growing restrictions that Afghan women have faced since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of foreign forces, drawing widespread condemnation from foreign governments and UN officials.
Mohammad Sadiq Akif, spokesperson for the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, confirmed the deadline for the closure of beauty parlors, citing a notice issued by the ministry. The new decree serves as yet another blow to Afghan women, limiting their access to public spaces and further eroding their ability to exercise personal choices.
The closure of beauty salons is seen as a significant setback for Afghan women who had gradually regained freedoms and rights in the years following the Taliban’s initial ousting in 2001. These establishments not only provided cosmetic services but also served as spaces for women to socialize and find support within their communities.
The decision by the Taliban regime has sparked international concern, with foreign governments and UN officials expressing their condemnation. Since the Taliban’s return, the international community has closely monitored the deteriorating situation of women’s rights in Afghanistan, highlighting the need to protect and support Afghan women.
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Numerous human rights organizations have decried the Taliban’s persistent efforts to marginalize and restrict women’s freedoms. These measures include limitations on education, employment, dress codes, and the imposition of severe penalties for perceived violations of their interpretation of Islamic law.
The closure of beauty salons is particularly distressing as it symbolizes a further encroachment on women’s autonomy, self-expression, and economic independence. Afghan women who own or work at these establishments face the loss of their livelihoods, exacerbating the economic hardships already prevalent in the country.
While the international community continues to pressure the Taliban to respect human rights, including women’s rights, the enforcement of such demands remains a challenge. It is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to advocate for the rights and well-being of Afghan women, providing support and resources to mitigate the adverse effects of the Taliban’s policies.
The closure of beauty salons in Afghanistan marks another alarming step in the Taliban’s efforts to exert control over women’s lives and limit their participation in public spaces. As the international community works towards a solution, it is imperative to safeguard the rights and freedoms of Afghan women, empowering them to shape their own futures and contribute to the development and progress of their nation.
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