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Afghan Govt Bans NGOs From Hiring Women, Threatens To Close Defaulters' Offices

Afghan Govt Bans NGOs From Hiring Women, Threatens To Close Defaulters' Offices
December 30, 2024

The letter, shared on X on Sunday night, emphasized that compliance with this order is mandatory.

Afghanistan's Economy Ministry has issued a directive warning both national and international nongovernmental organizations in the country to cease employing women or risk losing their operational licences.

The letter, shared on X on Sunday night, emphasized that compliance with this order is mandatory.

"In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be canceled and the activity license of that institution, granted by the ministry, will also be canceled," the letter stated.

This marks another effort by the Taliban to restrict female participation in non-Taliban-controlled institutions.

Two years ago, Afghan women were told to suspend NGO employment over alleged improper use of the Islamic headscarf.

The Taliban deny interfering with humanitarian efforts despite barring women from many jobs, education, and most public spaces.

Tom Fletcher, a senior U.N. official, noted increasing reports of Taliban morality police stopping female workers, AP News reports.

In a separate decree, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered windows overlooking areas where women might sit or stand to be blocked.

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International