The Taliban* regime has imposed new restrictions prohibiting Afghan women from conversing with other women and from praying or reciting the Quran aloud. This new rule was announced by Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Khalid Hanafi, according to Amu.tv.
The Taliban government representative emphasized that adult Afghan women are forbidden from letting other women hear their voices. He specifically stressed that women should refrain from performing Takbir — Islamic prayer or Quran recitation aloud, especially in the presence of others, both men and women.
Impact on Healthcare
The new rule has sparked significant public outcry. A midwife from Herat named Samira expressed frustration over how these restrictions affect her work. She reports that Taliban officials have prohibited female medical workers from discussing health matters with patients' relatives. This severely compromises their ability to provide qualified medical care. Samira noted that Taliban oversight has intensified over the past two months.
Public Response
A women's rights activist, speaking anonymously, raised practical concerns about how single mothers can survive when they're not allowed to speak. Simple tasks like buying bread or seeking medical attention become nearly impossible. These edicts effectively paralyze women's lives, making them unbearable, the activist stated.
Additional Restrictions
Minister Hanafi, while commenting on the new regulation, reminded that women were previously banned from singing. He argued that if women are not allowed to perform Takbir, they certainly cannot be allowed to sing.
In August 2024, the Taliban officially banned women from:
- Appearing in public without hijab
- Speaking, chanting, or singing in public places
The law stated that a woman's voice is intimate and seductive, therefore it should not be heard by strangers.
Background
Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban has systematically imposed restrictions on women, including:
- Ban on sports participation
- Prohibition from visiting parks
- Requirement for male accompaniment in public places.
*The Taliban movement is recognized as a terrorist organization and is banned in the Russian Federation and many other countries (this disclaimer is included as required by Russian law).
