The Taliban requires women to wear the burqa in public in Afghanistan

Taliban leader Hebatullah Akhundzadeh argued that full-body coverings were “traditional and respected”, adding that Afghan women should “stay at home”.

Islamic Radicalism Taliban More restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan: In the future, Afghan women will have to wear the burqa in public again by order of the Taliban leader, Hebatullah Akhundzada. Akhundzada said in a decree on Saturday that they should wear a full body covering “because it is traditional and respectful”. It is one of the tightest restrictions imposed on women since the Islamists took power again in August.

The decree stated that “women who are not old or young must cover their faces, with the exception of the eyes, according to Sharia regulations.” In this way, “provocations” should be avoided in the face of men who are not related. Women should also “better stay at home” if they don’t have important matters to take care of outside the home.

National dress code

The burqa, which also covers the wearer’s eyes with a type of mesh fabric, was already mandatory for women during the first Islamic rule. Since taking power in August, only the burqa has been recommended. Hijab, the veil that leaves the face empty, was already mandatory. But in rural areas especially, many women in the highly conservative and intelligent country wore full body coverings.

The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice has issued several “guidelines” for women’s clothing in recent months. The Sabbath decree was the first of its kind nationwide.

Many freedoms and rights for women are restricted

After taking power, the Islamists promised a more moderate government than during their 1996-2001 rule. But in recent months, many women’s freedoms have been curtailed. Girls’ high schools opened and closed again a few hours later.

Tens of thousands of women who worked in government lost their jobs. Women are only allowed to leave the country accompanied by a male relative. They were also instructed to visit parks in the Afghan capital on separate days from the men.

A few Afghan women demonstrated against the restrictions. However, the Taliban cracked down on unauthorized gatherings and arrested many initiators.

(APA / AFP)