The recent order by the Taliban administration in Afghanistan to close all beauty salons within a month has sparked concerns and condemnation from foreign governments and international organisations. This move which took effect on July 2, is seen as yet another restriction on women's access to public spaces in the country, further diminishing their already limited rights since the Taliban's return to power.
“The deadline for the closing of beauty parlours for women is one month,” Mohammad Sadiq Akif, a spokesperson for the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, said on July 4, referring to a ministry notice.
Over the past year, the Taliban has imposed various restrictions on women, including the closure of girls' secondary schools, barring women from universities, and preventing female Afghan aid staff from working. Additionally, many public places, such as bathhouses, gyms, and parks, have been off-limits to women. Beauty salons, which emerged after the Taliban's initial removal from power in 2001, have been an essential source of employment for women and a place for socialising and self-care.
The closure of beauty salons not only deprives women of job opportunities but also eliminates a safe space for them to gather and interact with one another. The impact of this decision is expected to be significant, further isolating women and hindering their ability to connect with their peers. The loss of such social spaces creates additional challenges for women who already face numerous restrictions on their daily lives.
The international community has been vocal in its criticism of the Taliban's treatment of women, expressing concerns about the erosion of their rights and freedoms. These restrictions on women's access to education, employment, and public spaces pose a significant obstacle to any potential recognition or acceptance of the Taliban administration on the global stage.
The Taliban claims to uphold women's rights based on its interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan customs. However, these claims are met with scepticism and disbelief, given the tangible impact of their policies on Afghan women's lives. The closure of beauty salons serves as yet another example of the Taliban's tightening grip on society, further exacerbating the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan.
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