The Taliban’s new law on the “Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” marks a significant escalation in their efforts to impose their interpretation of Sharia law on the Afghan people. This 114-page document not only restricts women’s freedoms to an alarming degree, but also seeks to control many aspects of daily life for all citizens. This new law, which formally codifies many existing restrictions, has sparked international condemnation and highlighted the grim reality of life for Afghan women under Taliban rule.

Draconian Restrictions on Women: A Violation of Basic Rights

The new law imposes severe restrictions on women, depriving them of basic rights and freedoms. It mandates that women must cover their entire body and face, including when in the presence of unrelated men, non-Muslim women, or those considered “immoral.” This strict dress code reflects a deeply entrenched belief in female modesty as central to preventing “temptation” among men, highlighting a dangerous power imbalance. Furthermore, the law explicitly silences women’s voices, stating that singing, chanting, or even reciting aloud is prohibited. The rationale behind this is that a woman’s voice is considered “awrah,” an intimate part of her being that must not be heard by unrelated men. This restriction reinforces the view of women as primarily responsible for men’s desires and emotions, effectively erasing their right to expression and self-identity.

Consequences for Violating the Laws

The Taliban’s new law explicitly outlines the consequences for violating these restrictions. Any woman who fails to comply with the dress code, or who dares to speak publicly, faces potential punishment, including imprisonment. The authority to enforce these laws rests with the “Morality Police,” known as Muhtasib, who have broad discretion to inflict punishment based on their interpretation of the regulations. This lack of clear judicial oversight creates an environment where women are vulnerable to arbitrary and potentially severe retribution. Furthermore, the ambiguity inherent in defining “unrelated men,” “immoral” women, or “necessity” for leaving home provides a platform for arbitrary enforcement based on personal bias or vendettas.

Beyond Dress Code: Regulating Daily Life

The Taliban’s vision for a morally pure society extends far beyond dictating women’s clothing and behavior. The new law governs numerous aspects of daily life, imposing strict rules on everything from entertainment to travel.

Restricting Leisure and Travel

Even simple, traditional children’s games like those involving marbles or walnuts are classified as “gambling” and forbidden. All forms of entertainment, including music, are strictly prohibited. This sweeping ban effectively removes a critical aspect of cultural expression and leisure activities. Additionally, the law dictates travel regulations, making it obligatory to plan trips to avoid times of prayer. Men are forbidden from transporting women who are not accompanied by a related male guardian. These restrictions serve to limit women’s freedom of movement, effectively confining them to the domestic sphere under the control of men.

Reinforcing Gendered Roles

The law’s overarching goal is to reinforce deeply entrenched traditional gender roles, defining women as inherently subordinate to men and subject to their control. The regulations prohibiting interactions between unrelated men and women further entrench these power imbalances, denying women the agency to interact freely and build independent relationships. This societal structure serves to diminish women’s social, economic, and political participation, preventing them from contributing fully to Afghan society.

A Return to a Dark Past: Historical Parallels

This new law echoes the Taliban’s brutal rule from 1996 to 2001, a period marked by a complete suppression of women’s rights and freedoms. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 had initially fueled hope for some degree of moderation, with the leadership suggesting a more inclusive approach. However, this new law shatters these illusions, exposing a clear and unwavering commitment to a regressive agenda.

A Missed Opportunity for Change?

The law’s stark language and the severity of its restrictions on women, particularly their voices, seem at odds with the assurances offered by the Taliban leadership regarding a more moderate approach. The Taliban leadership has stated a desire to have schools reopen for girls, yet the law reveals a complete disregard for the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of women. This contradiction begs the question of whether these promises were simply designed to appease the international community, with the underlying intent remaining to control and suppress women.

Global Condemnation: International Pressure and the Limits of Diplomacy

The Taliban’s new law has drawn widespread international condemnation, with governments, human rights organizations, and celebrities alike condemning the regime’s policies.

Calls for Change: Unheeded Voices

The UN has issued statements denouncing the law as “oppressive” and calling for its immediate repeal, but their efforts have been met with defiance from the Taliban. The Taliban have indicated that they are prepared to sever ties with the UN, illustrating their disinterest in engaging with the international community on these critical issues. While numerous nations, including the US, have spoken out against the restrictions, the effectiveness of their pressure remains to be seen. The Taliban’s defiance in the face of condemnation indicates a hardened stance, underscoring the difficulties in achieving meaningful change through diplomacy alone.

Resistance in the Face of Oppression: Afghan Women Fight Back

Despite the Taliban’s repressive laws, Afghan women have shown a resolute determination to resist the Taliban’s control and fight for their rights. Videos circulating on social media show women singing defiantly, even while covered from head to toe, and raising fists in protest. This act of defiance, even in the face of potential punishment, illustrates the strength of their will and determination to resist the Taliban’s attempts to silence them.

Underground Education: A Light of Hope

Even as the Taliban close schools for girls, underground educational initiatives have sprung up across the country, providing a glimmer of hope for the future. One such organization, LEARN, established by Pashtana Dorani, runs clandestine schools for teenage girls, offering them access to education despite the Taliban’s attempts to deny them this opportunity. The sheer audacity and perseverance of these initiatives highlight the resilience of Afghan women and their commitment to fighting for their future.

Take Away Points: A Bleak Outlook

The Taliban’s new law on “morality” stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and the grave dangers faced by women. It exposes the Taliban’s commitment to a repressive and discriminatory agenda, a vision that flies in the face of basic human rights and the ideals of a free and open society.

While the international community must continue to call out these violations and support organizations working to ensure access to education and essential services, the immediate outlook for women’s rights in Afghanistan remains bleak. The new law not only codifies the existing restrictions but also signals a deeper intent to exert total control over women’s lives, further pushing Afghanistan back into a dark age of repression and subjugation. As Afghan women continue to resist the Taliban’s oppressive policies, it is essential for the international community to stand in solidarity with them and work to secure their safety, education, and freedom.