By The Nexus Gazette.
23th August, 2024.
In a controversial and widely condemned move, the Taliban has announced a new set of laws prohibiting the sound of women’s voices singing or reading aloud in public spaces. This latest decree is part of a broader implementation of vice and virtue laws aimed at regulating personal conduct in Afghanistan.
The new regulations, recently approved by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, mandate that women must ensure their voices are not heard in public settings. Under these laws, a woman’s voice is deemed too intimate and is not permitted to be heard while singing, reciting, or reading aloud. This ban is in addition to the Taliban’s existing requirements for women to fully veil their bodies and cover their faces to prevent “temptation” and maintain moral conduct.
The new regulations form part of a comprehensive 114-page document detailing various aspects of public and private life. The laws encompass restrictions on public transportation, music, and social interactions. The Ministry of Vice and Virtue, reinstated following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, is tasked with enforcing these stringent rules. The ministry has faced significant criticism for fostering a climate of fear and repression, particularly affecting women and girls.
The Taliban’s new restrictions further erode the freedoms and rights of women in Afghanistan, marking a significant escalation in their control over personal conduct. These laws not only restrict women’s public participation but also suppress their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and participation in public life.
Human rights organizations and international observers have condemned the ban as a grave violation of women’s rights. Critics argue that these laws exacerbate the already harsh conditions faced by Afghan women, stifling their voices and agency in society. The United Nations and various global human rights groups have called for the Taliban to revoke these regulations and honor the fundamental freedoms of all Afghan citizens.
The international community has responded with outrage and concern. Human rights advocates have urged the Taliban to reverse the newly imposed restrictions and adhere to international standards for human rights and gender equality. The global condemnation highlights the widening gap between the Taliban’s policies and the expectations of the international community regarding human rights and freedoms.
The Taliban’s latest ban on women’s voices in public serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan. As the world reacts to this latest development, there is a growing call to support Afghan women and advocate for their rights, ensuring that their voices are not silenced and their freedoms are upheld.
Resources:
1.https://www.yahoo.com/news/taliban-bans-sound-women-voices-231718736.html