The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has issued an order to close all beauty salons in the country within the next month. According to the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, the deadline for the closure of beauty parlors for women has been set at one month. This decision marks another step towards limiting Afghan women’s access to public spaces under the Taliban’s rule.
The closure of beauty salons has drawn significant international criticism, with foreign governments and UN officials condemning the growing restrictions on women since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Ever since the US-backed government was defeated and foreign forces withdrew, women’s rights have been steadily curtailed.
The Taliban’s imposition of stringent restrictions on women has resulted in the closure of numerous educational institutions, including girls’ high schools and universities. Additionally, women working in various aid organizations have been prevented from continuing their crucial work. Furthermore, access to public facilities such as bathhouses, gyms, and parks has been limited or denied altogether to women.
Beauty salons have been an important source of employment for women in Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul and other major cities. Following the Taliban’s initial ousting from power in 2001, these establishments flourished, providing job opportunities for women and offering their services to customers. However, since the Taliban’s resurgence, the salons have been operating discreetly, with their signs and windows covered up to avoid drawing attention.
The tightening restrictions on women by the Taliban administration have prompted concerns from Western governments and international organizations. These restrictions are perceived as hindering any potential progress towards international recognition of the Taliban’s rule. Critics argue that the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan customs, which they claim respects women’s rights, is vastly different from the rights and freedoms enjoyed by women in many other parts of the world.
While the Taliban administration asserts that it respects women’s rights within the framework of its interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan customs, its actions have increasingly limited the freedom and opportunities available to Afghan women. The closure of beauty salons is yet another significant setback for women’s rights in the country.
The decision to close beauty salons within a month has left many Afghan women concerned about their livelihoods and the future of their businesses. As the deadline approaches, women who have relied on these salons for employment and customers who have benefited from their services will face uncertain times. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation in Afghanistan, hoping for positive developments that will safeguard women’s rights and freedoms.
In conclusion, the Taliban’s order to close beauty salons in Afghanistan within one month has sparked international condemnation. This move further restricts Afghan women’s access to public spaces and opportunities for employment. As the Taliban administration continues to implement its interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan customs, concerns about women’s rights persist, raising questions about the future direction of the country.
