Afghan women stage a protest for their rights to mark International Women’s Day in Kabul on March 8, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Metropolis Desk-
Rarely, Afghan women have demonstrated opposition to the Taliban’s intention to close female beauty establishments. Women in Kabul, the country’s capital, sang “Work, bread, and justice” as they assembled.
Water cannons were used by Taliban guards in response, and some demonstrators claim stun grenades were also employed against them. Since the Taliban leadership retook control in 2021, women’s rights have been under growing pressure.
According to the AFP news agency, some 50 women took part in the demonstration on Wednesday.
The Taliban have given businesses until July 2 to shut down hundreds of beauty parlors nationwide.
They said that parents were wasting money on beauty salons when couples got married and that the wearing of wigs and the practice of eyebrow plucking were against Islamic beliefs. The judgment significantly limits the areas that Afghan women can access; they are already prohibited from entering gyms, parks, and schools. They were just prohibited from working for the UN by the Taliban. Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce estimated that 60,000 jobs would be lost if all beauty salons closed.
The Taliban’s control from 1996 and 2001 was the last time that beauty parlors were closed. Following the evacuation of US soldiers two years ago, they continued to operate, although shop windows were frequently covered and pictures of women outside salons were spray painted to obscure their features.
International censure has not stopped the Taliban from imposing tight dress standards and limitations on women’s ability to travel alone. Minor infrequent demonstrations against Taliban-imposed policies have occurred, but all forms of opposition are put down.
Source- BBC News
