New Taliban laws drive Afghan women to despair and flight

Last month, the Taliban’s release of a new consolidated code of religious laws has plunged Afghan women into despair and prompted many to seek ways to escape the country.

This situation not only exacerbates the challenges faced by women but also raises questions about the Taliban's legitimacy and its international relations. Three years after the US withdrawal, the humanitarian landscape in Afghanistan has reached a dire state, as noted in an analysis by The Economist.

Prior to the late August announcement, Afghan women were already subjected to severe restrictions: they were banned from secondary education, universities, parks, and even female-only spaces like beauty salons. Their participation in the workforce was limited, and the new laws have escalated these restrictions. Women are now prohibited from publicly reciting the Koran, must not raise their voices, and cannot look at men outside their immediate families. Additionally, they are required to cover their faces completely.

Nasiba, a 28-year-old midwife, articulates a profound sense of hopelessness. Her fear while stepping outside underscores the oppressive environment women endure under Taliban rule. Many women are responding by limiting their movements, while others, like Amina, a widow in Kabul, confine their children indoors, resulting in extreme food scarcity. This highlights the severe impact of these laws on everyday life, particularly for families.

Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, describes the new religious code as a “pivotal moment” and advocates for recognizing “gender apartheid” as a crime against humanity. However, the likelihood of the Taliban facing international accountability appears slim, especially amid global distractions such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This underscores the complexity of international response to human rights abuses in Afghanistan.

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's representative to the UN, claims the new laws aim to reduce the power of the morality police, asserting that the ban on women speaking in public has been misunderstood. He emphasizes that women can study midwifery and that licenses have been issued for women interpreters. Yet, these reassurances provide little solace for many women, who feel the weight of oppressive measures.

Nasiba's contemplation of leaving the country highlights a grim reality: the lack of educational opportunities for her children, particularly her son, who idolizes the Taliban. This situation raises significant concerns about the future for Afghan youth and the perpetuation of extremist ideologies. The stark reality for women in Afghanistan remains one of isolation, fear, and limited prospects, marking a tragic continuation of their struggles under Taliban rule.