The Tightening of Restrictions
As of August 2021, Afghanistan has entered a new era of control and repression under the Taliban regime, which recently passed legislation that further restricts women’s freedoms. The law, known as the Law for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, imposes strict regulations on how women should behave in public spaces, forbidding even their voices to be heard.
Silenced Voices and Mandatory Dress
One of the most controversial aspects of this regulation is the consideration of the female voice as ‘intimate’, which cannot be heard in public. This includes prohibitions ranging from singing to reading aloud. In addition, women are required to fully cover their faces with veils, a measure that the Taliban government says seeks to avoid temptation and distraction.
Total Control Over Daily Life
The law, which consists of 35 articles, not only regulates women’s clothing, but also sets rules for men, including prohibitions on the way they dress. Men may not wear ties, or trim their beards below a certain length. Thus, total control over the appearance and behavior of the entire society is established.
The Impact on Education and Working Life
Since their return to power, the Taliban have been removing women’s rights, banning access to education in both schools and universities. The possibility of working in any sector, be it public or private, has become an unattainable dream for many Afghan women.
The Application of the Law: A Control Mechanism
The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice is in charge of enforcing this new regulation. According to its spokesman, the ministry not only seeks to maintain public morality, but is also responsible for preventing ethnic and regional prejudices. Penalties for non-compliance can range from simple warnings to detentions of up to three days.
A Context of Global Constraints
This law not only reflects the ideology of the Taliban, but also raises concerns about respect for human rights at the global level. Its strict application marks a step back in the progress achieved in the field of women’s rights, and provokes a negative reaction among the international community.
The International Reaction and the Future
The international community is watching with concern as the Taliban authorities implement measures that appear to be far removed from the human rights advances that have been achieved in the past. The question that arises is how states and international organizations will react to these actions that attack the dignity and rights of Afghan women.
