Title: Taliban Closes Beauty Salons in Afghanistan, Drawing International Concern
In a move that further restricts the rights and freedoms of Afghan women, the Taliban has announced the closure of all beauty salons in Afghanistan, despite strong public opposition. It remains uncertain whether force will be used against non-complying salons.
The ban, enacted under the Taliban’s rule since August 2021, is the latest in a series of restrictions on women’s rights and has raised concerns from international organizations, including the United Nations. The Taliban claims that beauty salons offer services prohibited by Islam and cause financial difficulties for grooms’ families during wedding festivities.
The announcement sparked a rare public protest in Kabul, where security forces forcefully dispersed the gathering. Critics argue that this ban not only deprives approximately 60,000 women of their jobs but also limits their access to community and support in the aftermath of Taliban rule.
International groups, including the United Nations, are actively engaged with Afghan authorities in an effort to reverse the prohibition. The UN, while highlighting the negative impact it will have on women’s rights and the economy, has expressed its concerns regarding the ban’s consequences for female entrepreneurs.
The Taliban has issued a list of beauty salon services it deems to violate Islamic principles, including eyebrow shaping and the use of makeup. This ban has not only limited employment opportunities for thousands of Afghan women but also deepened the ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis in the country.
Since seizing control of Afghanistan, the Taliban’s regime has been characterized by severe measures, such as restrictions on women in public spaces and curbing media freedoms. These actions have drawn intense international criticism and further worsened the country’s already dire economic and humanitarian situation.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation in Afghanistan, pressure mounts on the Taliban to reassess its policies regarding women’s rights and freedoms. The ban on beauty salons serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan women in accessing basic rights and opportunities in their own country.
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