Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
In a recent decree, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued new regulations regarding the design and construction of windows and vents in buildings across Afghanistan. The ruling mandates that windows must be positioned in such a way that women are not visible either standing or sitting from neighboring houses. This move is part of a broader effort by the Taliban to restrict women’s presence in public spaces and ensure their activities remain concealed from public view.
This directive was shared by the Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, who posted the announcement on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). According to the decree, windows should be positioned in a way that prevents anyone from seeing women as they carry out daily tasks, such as cooking or resting in their homes. The move reflects the Taliban’s continuing emphasis on imposing strict social codes that limit the public visibility and participation of women.
The decree consists of five key points, with the most notable stipulation being the restriction on the construction of windows that face areas of neighboring buildings where women are likely to be visible. These areas include kitchens, wells, and common spaces where women typically sit or relax. Should a building be constructed near another, and a window happens to overlook such spaces, the decree requires that a wall of human height be erected in front of the window, or other measures must be taken to prevent “harm” to the neighboring household.
This decision follows the Taliban’s ongoing campaign to control women’s freedoms in the country, which has also involved severe restrictions on access to education. Earlier in December, Akhundzada issued a similar ban on women attending universities and higher education institutions, a policy that has left thousands of female students without access to their educational rights.
The Broader Impact on Afghan Women
The new window regulation comes after several other policies that have imposed significant restrictions on the rights and freedoms of women in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, numerous regulations have been enacted to segregate women from public life. While the initial promises from the Taliban suggested a more moderate approach compared to their previous rule, the ongoing restrictions have made clear the movement’s hardline stance regarding women’s roles in society.
Before the complete closure of girls’ schools and universities, many Afghan women were still able to continue their education in medical institutions, where they studied various fields such as midwifery, pharmacy, laboratory technology, physiotherapy, dermatology, and dental prosthetics. However, the recent decision to bar female students from higher education institutions signals the growing control over women’s educational opportunities, making it increasingly difficult for them to pursue careers in fields that require extensive schooling.
The restrictions imposed on education and daily activities, such as the new window decree, highlight a systematic effort to marginalize women and push them further into private, secluded spaces. By preventing others from seeing women in their homes or public spaces, the Taliban’s government is deepening the separation between women and society.
International Reactions and the Future for Afghan Women
The Taliban’s decisions regarding women’s visibility and education have drawn widespread international condemnation. Human rights organizations have consistently criticized the group for violating women’s fundamental rights, calling for increased pressure on the Taliban to respect international norms and allow women access to education, employment, and freedom of movement. The United Nations and other global entities have called on the Taliban to reverse such policies, emphasizing that the lack of educational opportunities for Afghan women has long-term negative impacts on the country’s development.
In addition to education, this new decree further isolates women from participating in the workforce and other societal functions. By forcing them into a more confined, invisible existence, the Taliban continues to assert control over the lives of Afghan women. The international community, as well as local advocates for women’s rights, have raised concerns about the impact these policies will have on the future generations of Afghan women.
Despite the global outcry, the Taliban seems determined to continue implementing its strict interpretation of Islamic law, which includes these severe restrictions on women’s rights. For many, this indicates that Afghanistan’s women will face an even tougher struggle for basic freedoms in the years ahead.
The Path Forward
As these policies take root, the future of women’s rights in Afghanistan appears increasingly bleak. International human rights groups and local activists continue to call for reform, but the Taliban’s continued hold on power and its strict enforcement of these rules leave little hope for significant change in the short term.
The global community remains divided over how to effectively respond to the situation in Afghanistan. While some nations have imposed sanctions and cut off aid, others argue that these measures are ineffective and may only harm ordinary Afghan citizens rather than pressuring the Taliban leadership to change. What remains clear is that the plight of Afghan women under Taliban rule is far from over, and the international community must continue to support efforts to protect their basic rights and freedoms.
