Taliban to Dismantle Afghan NGOs Hiring Women

All foreign and domestic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that employ women in Afghanistan will be shut down, the Taliban have declared. On Sunday night, a letter was put on X by the

All foreign and domestic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that employ women in Afghanistan will be shut down, the Taliban have declared.

The Ministry of Economy threatened to cancel the operational license of any non-governmental organization that did not follow the most recent directive in a letter published on X on Sunday night. The ministry emphasized its responsibility for registering, coordinating, leading, and supervising the operations of both domestic and foreign organizations.

The administration was once again prohibiting women from working in non-Taliban-controlled establishments, the letter reaffirmed. “All activities of that institution will be terminated in the event of non-cooperation, and the ministry’s activity license granted to that institution will also be terminated,” it said.

This is the most recent in a string of Taliban initiatives to regulate NGOs’ activities in the nation. Despite the continued need for relief work, the United Nations Security Council was told earlier this month that more and more Afghan women humanitarian workers were being prevented from performing their jobs. According to senior UN official Tom Fletcher, the Taliban’s morality police have increased the number of humanitarian groups whose male and female employees are blocked.

This action comes after a previous mandate, issued two years ago, that urged non-governmental organizations to stop hiring Afghan women due to their improper use of the Islamic hijab.

However, the Taliban have refuted allegations that it is impeding or disrupting the work of assistance organizations.

Women have previously been subjected to limitations by the group, which include being excluded from public places, many employment, and education beyond the sixth grade.

In a parallel move, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an order mandating that structures be built such that windows do not overlook places where women might be present. Both new and existing buildings are subject to the directive, which was put on X late on Saturday. It requires that windows not face spaces like kitchens or yards, and if one does, the owner of the property must take action to block the view by erecting a wall, fence, or screen.

To guarantee adherence to the ordinance, municipal officials have been directed to keep an eye on new building construction. Regarding the new rules, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing was not accessible for comment.