Women’s rights under Taliban infographic
Graphic shows restrictions imposed by the Taliban leadership since August 2021.
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POLITICS

Women’s rights under the Taliban

By Duncan Mil

December 21, 2022 - The Taliban have broken multiple pledges to respect women’s rights since retaking power in Afghanistan in 2021 and have now banned women from universities, sparking international condemnation and despair among young people in the country.

The Taliban had promised a softer rule after seizing power 16 months ago, following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. However, the hardline Islamists have continued to roll back women’s rights and freedoms in the country.

On Tuesday (December 20), the Minister for Higher Education, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, ordered a nationwide ban on university education for females.

In March, the Taliban promised to re-open some high schools for girls but cancelled the move just days later.

The crackdown also follows a wave of new restrictions on women in recent months. In November, the Ministry of Virtue and Vice banned women from parks, gyms and public baths in the capital.

Just three months ago, the Taliban had allowed thousands of girls and women to sit university entrance exams in most provinces.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 21/12/2022; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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