From Banning Co-ed Schools For Women To A Ban On Music, The Taliban Imposes Stifling New Rules In Afghanistan
When the Taliban was regaining control of Afghanistan, one of the biggest concerns emerging were about the agency of Afghan women. Of course, nobody is saying things were all rainbows and unicorns before. But women under the Taliban rule were deprived of some very basic human rights, like education. And not just women, the Afghan people in general, were staring into darkness where there future existed before. Now that the Taliban has gained control, established the Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan, and begun passing decrees of conduct, a clearer picture is emerging of what life under the Taliban rule would look like for the men, women and children of Afghanistan. And let’s just say, it is not a pleasant one.
The Taliban began with something of a shocker when they said they wanted to form a more inclusive government with women very much a part of it. Some members of the Taliban even gave interviews to female journalists. Photos of little girls going to school on the first day of Taliban rule were widely shared in news media, as the Taliban claimed that it plans to respect women’s rights that fall within the framework of the Sharia Law. And the world waited for the other shoe to drop. And drop it did.
Amidst reports of religious leaders being asked for lists of unmarried girls and young widows as brides for Taliban soldiers, and a possible return of corporal punishments for women who dare break rules, here are some more ‘rules’ and ‘bans’ imposed by the Taliban on the Afghan people.
Education for women, but not in a co-ed
Girls and women in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will be allowed to pursue education in schools and even in universities. However, in accordance with the Sharia Law, this will not be co-ed setup. Meaning boys and girls will not be studying together.
Men will not be allowed to teach women in schools, universities
An extension of the above rule, there will not be any male teachers teaching girls in schools or universities. Together, the above two rules are a huge detriment to women’s education, because there won’t be enough schools, or institutions with adequate resources in accordance with the new laws of the land to facilitate education for all these girls. So really, it comes back to square one.
Also Read: As Taliban Takes Over Afghanistan, Filmmaker Sahraa Karimi’s Video Is Just One Of The Many Pleas For Help From Afghan Women
Ban on music, female voices on radio and television
The Taliban has previously banned music under their regime as it is seen to be against the Sharia Law. This ban is likely to be imposed again. In fact, there are news reports that a Taliban fighter shot dead a folk musician in a restive province, albeit the reasons for this are unclear.
In Kandahar, there has already been a ban imposed on using female voices for radio or television. In fact, as per recent reports, Behesta Arghand, the Tolo news reporter who interviewed a Taliban member on TV, has fled the country.
Actors, singers, filmmakers might have to shift their profession
Last week, Zabihulla Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, was asked by reporters whether artists, filmmakers and singers would be permitted to continue pursuing their art as profession under their regime. Mujahid has said that artists will have to shift their profession if it is assessed as not being in accordance with the Sharia.
