Taliban bans women's beauty salons

New Delhi: In a recent decree issued by the leader of the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan, women's beauty salons in Kabul and other provinces across Afghanistan have been banned, intensifying the restrictions placed on women in the country.

The Ministry of Vice and Virtue confirmed the order, instructing the Kabul municipality to enforce it by revoking salon licenses, The Tolo news agency reported.

The decision has sparked widespread concern as it exacerbates the already dire economic situation and limits the opportunities available to Afghan women. With many men unemployed, working in beauty salons has become a crucial source of income for women supporting their families, the local media reported.

The ban now leaves them without the means to earn a living, prompting an outcry against the latest restrictions imposed on Afghan women.

This ban adds to the existing hardships faced by women in Afghanistan. Girls beyond sixth grade are prohibited from pursuing education, working in international or regional NGOs, or having the freedom to travel alone or access public spaces such as parks and cinemas. Despite protests by women's organizations last year, these restrictions remain in place.

The Taliban's control extends to dictating women's attire, travel arrangements, workplace segregation by sex, and even the type of cell phones they can use. These rules are enforced through intimidation and inspections.

The extremist group has also altered curricula to prioritize religious studies and banned women and girls from secondary and higher education.

Several countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, have imposed sanctions and appealed to the Afghan government to safeguard women's rights, including the right to work and access to education. However, these efforts have yet to yield significant progress, leaving Afghan women in a precarious position.