Taliban Bars Female Staff of Humanitarian Organizations from Working Without Burqa
Local sources in Herat have confirmed that the Taliban have made it mandatory for women to wear a burqa in offices, markets, and humanitarian institutions.
Reports indicate that women without a burqa have been denied entry to institutions such as the Herat Regional Hospital, the Civil Registry, the Ministry of Education offices, and banks. Several women stated that despite observing Islamic dress codes, they were not allowed to perform their daily tasks or attend work.
Sources further said that female staff of humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the Red Cross, have been warned by the Taliban that they cannot be present at work without wearing a burqa.
This move has drawn widespread criticism from women activists. The Afghan Women’s History Reform Movement condemned the Taliban’s directive as a clear violation of human rights and human dignity, describing it as an “inhuman and anti-Islamic decree.”
The Taliban have yet to issue an official statement regarding this measure, although it is reported to be implemented under the group’s “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” law.
According to Article 13 of this law, covering the entire body and face of women is mandatory. Last week, several humanitarian organizations at the Islam Qala border reportedly suspended their operations due to Taliban pressure on female staff regarding dress code compliance.
