Taliban Imposes Stricter Laws on Afghan Women

Three years into Taliban rule, Afghanistan has become the most restrictive country for women globally, with severe new decrees that ban women's public voices and limit their freedoms. A recent 114-page manifesto codifies these restrictions, including prohibitions on education beyond sixth grade, employment, and public life, exacerbating the already deteriorated status of women. Afghan lawyer Shakira Bakhtari highlights that despite relative peace, women remain unable to work or leave home without male guardians, severely impacting their families' well-being. A UN Women report underscores a mental health crisis among Afghan women, with nearly 70% reporting significant anxiety and depression, as their influence in household decisions plummets. The laws have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, with Afghanistan ranking last on the Women, Peace and Security Index. Overall, the harsh regulations and lack of support have led to a dire situation for women's rights and mental health in Afghanistan.