The Taliban’s supreme leader has issued an order prohibiting the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women, and directing that existing ones be blocked.
According to a statement issued late Saturday by the Taliban government spokesman, new buildings should not have windows that allow views of “the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour’s well, and other places usually used by women.”
“Seeing women working in kitchens, courtyards, or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts,” according to a decree posted by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on social media platform X.
Municipal authorities and other relevant departments would be required to monitor construction sites to ensure that no one could see into neighbours’ homes.
If such windows exist, owners will be encouraged to build a wall or block the view “to avoid nuisances to neighbours,” according to the decree.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, women have been gradually pushed out of public spaces, prompting the United Nations to condemn the administration’s “gender apartheid.”
Taliban authorities have prohibited post-primary education for girls and women, limited employment opportunities, and denied access to parks and other public spaces.
Under the Taliban government’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, a recent law prohibits women from singing or reciting poetry in public. It also encourages them to “veil” their voices and bodies outside of the house.
Some local radio and television stations have also discontinued airing female voices.
The Taliban administration asserts that Islamic law “guarantees” the rights of Afghan men and women.