The Taliban in Afghanistan has banned the use of women’s photographs on signboards in shops in Kabul.
Rights activists have described the Taliban’s decision as a step towards further tarnishing its image in the international community.
Tolo News quoted Kabul municipal spokesman Nemtullah Barakzai as saying that the
government had ordered municipal officials to remove all photos of women on signboards in shops and shopping malls in Kabul.
According to the report, Barakzai said in a statement that the government had decided to
remove the photos from the billboards in violation of Islamic law.
Owners of beauty salons in Kabul have criticized the Islamic Emirate's decision and urged the government not to ban their businesses, Tolo News reported.
Shaista Saifi, a Kabul-based beauty entrepreneur, said she had been working in a beauty salon for seven years and was providing financial support to her 10-member family.
She said, “The decision will restrict and control women’s business. There are growing fears that they will lock up our store in the next few days.”
Opposing the government’s decision, women’s rights activist Parwana retorted, “What is the benefit to the government by removing the photo of a woman? This is nothing more than pushing women away from social responsibility.”
International organizations have repeatedly called on the Taliban not to disregard women’s rights and not to marginalize women from society, while the Taliban has vowed not to be as tough as under its previous regime and to move forward with confidence in all its well-wishers and opponents.
However, activists say the Taliban government has differed in its approach and actions. He
accused the Taliban of violating its own commitments.
By Muna Chand
