The Taliban Increases Restrictions On Women

 

Ever since the Taliban returned to power women have seen a dramatic decrease in basic rights. More discrimination is being seen related to education and employment. The regime has issued a prohibition on women attending universities. The action has devasting effects Afghanistan. Without educating the entire population the country will never reach higher development. Stopping women from graduating from medical school has dire consequences on public health. Afghanistan already has a low life expectancy and fewer medical professionals will make it worse. Discrimination as government policy will eventually backfire. Women are now forced to travel with a male companion when in public. The new Taliban regime is the worst mix of religious fundamentalism and misogyny than its previous rule from 1996 to 2001. Female employees of non-government organizations are not safe. Reports of Afghan women being flogged have surfaced causing international condemnation. The more restrictions the Taliban imposes on the citizens the more discontent shall grow. Afghanistan's economic condition worsens and the standard of living continues to decline. The Taliban lost power due to an invasion by the US and NATO. It is possible the armed groups still fighting could grow in number and remove them. As long as they do not improve the conditions of  the average Afghan, a mass uprising could happen in the future. Women have even lost the ability to enjoy public accommodations. The Taliban has ordered business owners to shutdown beauty salons. The reason these businesses were targeted is because it was women's only public space. Limiting women's education and employment makes them dependent on men. There has been resistance. The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan has been known to operate secret schools inside the country for girls. Some women now are seeking to flee Afghanistan. A new element has to examined in the plight of refugees. While some flee due to war or persecution based on their race,  sex  can also be a reason.