Windows Banned to Hide Afghan Women

In a recent step, the Taliban has ordered a ban on windows that overlook areas where women could be seen inside their homes. The group's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, explained on X that seeing women in everyday tasks like cooking or fetching water might lead to improper behavior. The Taliban has been rolling back women's rights since they took control in 2021, including banning education and public appearances for women. The Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, issued a decree stating that new buildings should avoid windows overlooking courtyards, kitchens, or wells used by women. Existing windows with such views must be blocked to prevent distress to neighbors. Shabnam Nasimi, a former U. K. policy adviser, criticized the international community's silence on social media, questioning how long the world will watch without acting. The United Nations has urged the Taliban to respect women's rights, emphasizing that Afghanistan's future depends on safeguarding all citizens' rights. The global response to this latest Taliban restriction remains uncertain. Many countries, including the U. S. , do not recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan's official government. In November, Russia proposed removing the Taliban from its list of recognized terrorist organizations.