Taliban Orders NGOs to Suspend Women Employees

The Taliban has reiterated its ban on employing Afghan women in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), threatening to revoke licenses of any NGOs that fail to comply. This directive was reinforced in a letter from the Ministry of Economy following a cabinet meeting led by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. While the ban impacts most sectors, exceptions remain for women in health and education, provided they adhere to strict conditions such as remote work and dress codes. The Taliban claims the ban is due to women not wearing the Islamic headscarf correctly and has previously restricted women's rights extensively, including barring them from education beyond sixth grade. The United Nations warns that these restrictions severely hinder humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, where millions depend on aid. The situation remains dire as the Taliban continues to impose stringent regulations on women's roles in society.