The Taliban has barred female employees of the ministry of Women’s Affairs from accessing the building in Kabul.
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Four women were turned away by Taliban forces when they showed up for work yesterday, according to an employee of the ministry.
The ministry’s signs were then replaced with by a mixture of Dari and Arabic, which translates to ‘Ministries of Prayer and Guidance and the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice’.
Gender Segregation
Female staff of the women’s ministry say they had been prevented from returning to their jobs since the take-over. They tried accessing the building on Thursday only to find it locked, one of them said.
Earlier this week, a senior Taliban leader confirmed that women would not be allowed to work alongside men in government ministries and departments.
One of the women who have been barred from their jobs at the ministry lamented:
I am the only breadwinner in my family. When there is no ministry, what should an Afghan woman do?
Some women protested yesterday outside the presidential palace, demanding the protection of the rights of women and girls to work and study.
Afghan Women’s Rights
The Islamists, who took over the reins of power in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US forces last month, have been ruling with a harsh interpretation of Islamic laws.
A Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid said at the time:
Taliban are committed to providing women with their rights based on Islam. Women can work in the health sector and other sectors where they are needed. There will be no discrimination against women.
That has not been the reality that most women and girls face under Taliban rule.
The education ministry announced the resumption of school for boys but excluded girls.
There was no female appointee in the recent announcement of government officials, but an acting minister was appointed for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice.
