Taliban to Shut Down NGOs Employing Women in Afghanistan

The Taliban has announced its intention to close all national and foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Afghanistan that employ women.

In a letter posted on X on Sunday evening, the Ministry of Economy warned that any NGO failing to comply with the latest order would have its operating license revoked. The ministry stressed its role in the registration, coordination, leadership, and oversight of activities conducted by both domestic and international organisations.

The letter reiterated that the government was once again enforcing a ban on female employment in non-Taliban-controlled institutions. “In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be cancelled and the activity license of that institution, granted by the ministry, will also be canceled,” it stated.

This is the latest in a series of attempts by the Taliban to exert control over the operations of NGOs in the country. Earlier this month, the United Nations Security Council was informed that an increasing number of female Afghan humanitarian workers were being blocked from carrying out their duties, despite the ongoing necessity of aid work. Tom Fletcher, a senior UN official, reported that the number of humanitarian organisations whose staff, both male and female, were obstructed by the Taliban’s morality police had risen.

This move follows an earlier directive issued two years ago, which called on NGOs to halt the employment of Afghan women, citing concerns over the incorrect wearing of the Islamic headscarf.

The Taliban, however, has denied claims that it is hindering aid agencies or interfering with their operations.

The group has already imposed restrictions on women, barring them from numerous jobs, and public spaces, and excluding them from education beyond the sixth grade.

In a related development, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree requiring buildings to be designed in a way that prevents windows from overlooking areas where women may be present. The directive, posted on X late on Saturday, applies to both new and existing buildings. It mandates that windows should not face areas such as yards or kitchens, and if such a window exists, the property owner must take steps to obscure the view, either by installing a wall, fence, or screen.

Municipal authorities have been instructed to monitor the construction of new buildings to ensure compliance with the decree. The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing was unavailable for comment on the new regulations.

Frances Ibiefo

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