Taliban's New Decree: Women Banned from Looking Out of Windows in Afghanistan

The Taliban's moral police in Afghanistan have issued a new decree banning women from looking out of windows. This announcement was made by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who stated that the decree aims to prevent "obscene acts." The decree also mentions that areas of the house where women are present, such as the kitchen and bathroom, should not be visible from outside. Neighbors are required to close any walls that expose these areas. The municipality is responsible for ensuring the law is enforced, effective immediately.

Previously, on November 1, the Taliban imposed another rule restricting Afghan women from hearing each other's voices, further silencing them in public life. Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, stated that a woman's voice is considered "awrah," meaning it should not be heard in public. This includes prohibitions on women calling the Islamic prayer or singing.

Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have significantly restricted women's rights, including limiting education to primary levels, banning women from most jobs, and prohibiting their use of public spaces like parks and gyms. Former Afghan diplomat Asila Wardak emphasized the importance of including women in discussions about Afghanistan's future, stating that the country's future "cannot be built on the exclusion of half of the population."