25-6-2023 (ISLAMABAD) In a message released on Sunday (Jun 25), the supreme leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, asserted that his government has implemented measures to improve the lives of women in Afghanistan, a country where women face severe restrictions on public participation, employment, and girls’ education.
The statement from Akhundzada was made public ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, which will be celebrated later this week in Afghanistan and other Islamic nations.
Akhundzada, an Islamic scholar, is known for his reclusive nature, rarely making public appearances or leaving the Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province. He surrounds himself with religious scholars and like-minded individuals who oppose women’s education and employment.
In his Eid message, Akhundzada proclaimed that under the rule of the Islamic Emirate, concrete actions have been taken to alleviate various forms of oppression faced by women, including forced marriages, and emphasized that their Shariah rights have been protected.
Furthermore, the message stated that “necessary steps have been taken for the betterment of women as an integral part of society, with the aim of providing them a comfortable and prosperous life in accordance with Islamic Shariah.”
However, in recent times, Akhundzada’s influence on domestic policy appears to have strengthened, resulting in the ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade and the restriction of Afghan women from participating in public life and employment, particularly in non-governmental organizations and with the United Nations.
The message was disseminated in five languages: Arabic, Dari, English, Pashto, and Urdu. Akhundzada expressed the belief that negative aspects of the previous 20-year occupation, such as restrictions on women’s attire and what he referred to as “misguidance,” will soon be eliminated.
“The status of women as free and dignified human beings has been restored, and all institutions are obligated to assist women in securing their rights related to marriage, inheritance, and other areas,” he added.
Despite initial promises of a more moderate approach compared to their previous rule in the 1990s, the Taliban have implemented stringent measures since seizing control of Afghanistan in August 2021, coinciding with the withdrawal of US and NATO forces.
Women have been banned from public spaces, including parks and gyms, and the freedom of the media has been curtailed. These measures have sparked strong international criticism, further isolating the country during an already dire economic crisis and exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
Akhundzada reiterated his call for other nations to refrain from interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. He emphasized that the Taliban government seeks positive political and economic relations with the international community, particularly with Islamic nations, and has fulfilled its responsibilities in this regard.
In addition to addressing women’s rights, Akhundzada’s message also condemned Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians and urged the people and government of Sudan to set aside their differences and work towards unity and brotherhood.
