Taliban’s ‘Morality Law’ Traps Afghan Women in Prison of Patriarchy

Taliban’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered officials to implement Afghanistan’s “morality law,” which will officially establish and outline the limitations imposed on women and other segments of the population in the country.

The Ministry of Propagation of Virtue, Prevention of Vice and Hearing Complaints recently published a 114-page code, marking the first formal enactment of such laws since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. This development is significant as it provides insight into the legal framework being implemented by the Taliban and its approach to governance.

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Taliban’s ‘Morality Law’: Women and men are forbidden from even looking at each other

The legislation requires women to cover their entire bodies when in public, stating that wearing a face covering is necessary to prevent temptation and the temptation of others.

The document quoted by The Associated Press states that a woman’s voice is considered “intimate” and should not be heard singing, reciting, or reading aloud in public. Additionally, The Guardian reported that the provision extends to not allowing women to be heard singing or reading aloud even within the confines of their own homes.

According to the AP report, the playing of music and mixing of men and women who not related are banned. Women and men are forbidden from even looking at each other if they are not related by blood or marriage. An AFP report said the code also requires men to not wear shorts above the knee or closely trim their beards. Other provisions in the code sanction the persecution of LGBTQ people and religious minorities.

Taliban’s ‘Morality Law’: The law effectively strips away the identity and voice of women

Ravina Shamdasani, who serves as the chief spokesperson of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed that the law effectively strips away the identity and voice of women, reducing them to “faceless, voiceless shadows.”

In previous instances, the Taliban have implemented these policies through the use of menacing tactics, including making threats, carrying out random arrests and detentions, and using disproportionate force, as outlined in a report by the United Nations. Heather Barr, who serves as the associate director of the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, expressed to Reuters that many of these regulations were previously in effect in a more informal capacity, but are now being officially documented. She stated that this formalization is indicative of a trend observed over the past three years, characterized by a consistent and incremental increase in authoritarian measures. The regime celebrated its third year in power this past August.