• The Taliban have intensified restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan, significantly impacting their access to employment, education, and freedom of movement.
• Reports confirm women are being denied workforce opportunities and cannot access services without a male relative; girls are deprived of education.
• Despite Taliban claims of upholding women's rights within Islamic Sharia law, international organizations cite violations of international norms and rights protections.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, women and girls have faced systematic exclusion from equal participation in society. Recent reports from UNAMA and Human Rights Watch detail the intensification of these restrictions, including barring women from most professions, severely curtailing paid employment, shutting down women-run businesses like beauty salons, and restricting their freedom of movement. These actions have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only women's rights but also exacerbating the country's economic crisis.

• What: The Taliban are enforcing increasingly strict restrictions on women's rights, impacting their ability to work, receive education, and move freely. This includes shutting down women-run businesses, enforcing male guardianship requirements, and restricting access to essential services.
• Who: Key actors include the Taliban, Afghan women, UNAMA, Human Rights Watch, and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Taliban are the primary enforcers of the restrictions, while Afghan women are the main subjects and are actively resisting. UNAMA and Human Rights Watch are documenting and reporting on the situation, and the ICC is pursuing legal action.
• When: The restrictions have been intensifying since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Specific events mentioned include actions taken in the first quarter of 2025 (UNAMA report) and ongoing efforts by Afghan women.
• Where: The events are occurring throughout Afghanistan, with specific instances mentioned in Kandahar and Badakhshan province.

The Taliban's actions contradict their claims of upholding women's rights within Islamic Sharia law, revealing a significant disconnect between their rhetoric and the reality on the ground. The international community faces the challenge of balancing engagement with the Taliban with the need to uphold human rights principles and support Afghan women. The economic impact of these restrictions is substantial, exacerbating poverty and hindering the country's development. The resilience and resistance of Afghan women highlight their determination to fight for their rights, but they require sustained international support to challenge the Taliban's oppressive regime.

Ensuring the dignity, honor, and Sharia-based entitlements of women remains a paramount priority for the Islamic Emirate.

Bread, Work, Freedom

The situation for women in Afghanistan remains dire, with the Taliban's intensifying restrictions severely impacting their lives and opportunities. Despite the Taliban's claims, international organizations document ongoing violations of women's rights. The resilience of Afghan women in resisting these restrictions offers a glimmer of hope, but their struggle requires sustained international attention and support. The future outlook remains uncertain, dependent on both the Taliban's actions and the international community's response.