Taliban Release Special Decree Issued by Amir al-Momenin on Women’s Rights

Friday’s decree by Afghanistan’s Taliban government regarding women’s rights stated that women shouldn’t be treated as “property”, and they must agree to marry. However, it did not mention women having access to education or working outside of the home.

Since the August 15th, hardline Islamist Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the international community has put pressure on the Taliban to honour women’s rights.

According to Zabihillah Muhajid’s Taliban decree, “a woman is not property but a noble, free, and human being. No one can give her away in exchange for peace or to end animosity.”

This document outlines the rules for property and marriage for women. It states that women shouldn’t be forced to marry and that widows have a right to share in the property of their deceased husbands.

According to the decree, courts must consider these rules when making decisions. Religious affairs and information ministry should also promote these rights.

It didn’t mention that women should be able to get work permits or have access to other facilities than their home. This is a concern raised by the international community.

The Taliban had previously banned women leaving their homes without permission from a male relative, and they also prohibited girls from attending school.

Taliban claim they’ve changed, and some high schools have been opened for girls in certain provinces. Many rights activists and women remain skeptical.

International community has already frozen billions of dollars in development and central bank funds, making women’s rights an integral part of any future Afghanistan engagement.

Since the Taliban’s takeover, the country also faces a bank liquidity crisis, as cash flows dry up from sanctions.