Taliban Bans Windows to Restrict Women's Visibility

The Taliban have enacted a new decree banning windows in residential buildings that allow views into areas where Afghan women perform domestic duties, citing the need to preserve privacy and protect women from potential harm. This directive, enforced by municipal authorities, mandates blocking existing windows that face these areas, further isolating women under the guise of protection. Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, women have faced escalating restrictions on their rights, including bans on education, employment, and public visibility, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and human rights advocates. Critics argue that these measures constitute a form of 'gender apartheid' and significantly contribute to a mental health crisis among Afghan women. The Taliban's justification for these actions is rooted in their interpretation of Islamic law and societal norms, yet many see them as a means of consolidating authoritarian control. The international community continues to express concern, but tangible responses to support Afghan women remain limited.