The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has announced a ban on women and girls entering all parks in Kabul, continuing its restrictions on women’s access to public spaces.
Under the new directive, women are no longer allowed to enter any park in the capital, even if they are accompanied by a male guardian (mahram). Previously, women were permitted to visit parks only when accompanied by a mahram.
Reports indicate that Taliban morality officers have been stationed at the entrances of parks across Kabul to enforce the ban. So far, Taliban authorities have not issued an official public statement regarding the decision.
The move comes amid ongoing criticism and concern over a series of recent Taliban regulations affecting women. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned about the growing restrictions on women’s participation in social and public life.
Since returning to power, the Taliban have imposed extensive limitations on women and girls in Afghanistan, particularly in education and public life. Among the most significant measures are the ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade and restrictions on women’s access to universities and other educational institutions.
Women have also been barred or restricted from entering various public and recreational venues, including sports stadiums, public bathhouses, beauty salons, and certain entertainment facilities. The complete ban on women’s access to Kabul’s parks is the latest addition to these restrictions.
Under current Taliban regulations, women must be accompanied by a male guardian for long-distance travel, and in some cases, their use of public transportation without a mahram is also restricted.
Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern over these measures and have called on the international community to take action. The Taliban, however, maintain that these policies are based on their interpretation of Islamic law and are intended to preserve religious values.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
