Afghanistan: Taliban bans female employees from entering Ministry of Women Affairs

Despite promising to respect women's rights, Taliban has backtracked from its assurances. In a shocking development, Taliban has banned entry of female employees in Ministry of Women Affairs in Kabul. A ministry employee has reportedly informed that only men would be allowed to enter building of ministry. 

News agency ANI quoted ministry employee as saying that four women were not allowed to enter building. Reportedly, women have now plan to protest near ministry against decision of caretaker Taliban government. Earlier, Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid h assured people that Taliban was committed to giving women ir rights based on principles of Islam. He h claimed that women would be allowed to work in health sectors and or sectors and re would be no discrimination against m. 

Taliban h promised to form an "inclusive" government to run Afghanistan, but it announced an all-male Cabinet on Tuesday, September 7. It announced government of 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan', naming Mullah Mohamm Hassan Akhund, he of Taliban's powerful decision-making body 'Rehbari Shura' as its interim Prime Minister. Last month, women in large numbers protesting across Afghanistan, seeking inclusion in new ministration and no curbs on women's freedoms.

Cracking down on women's freedom, Taliban-ruled Ministry of Higher Education, Abdul Baqi Haqqani, announced that women in Afghanistan can continue ir studies at university, but classrooms would be gender-segregated, AP reported. Moreover, Taliban ruled government has me wearing Islamic dress mandatory for students. Haqqani said that hijabs will be mandatory but did not specify if this meant compulsory hescarves or face coverings. 

During ir previous regime from 1996 to 2001, Taliban h imposed harsh restrictions for citizens, especially women. Back n, y were not allowed to step out without male relatives and h to cover ir faces. y were not even allowed to study or to work. 

(With inputs from AP, ANI, Image: AP)