In a recent decree, the Taliban has introduced a mandate prohibiting the construction of windows in homes that overlook residences occupied by women. This directive, announced by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, significantly impacts property owners by mandating that new homes refrain from installing windows facing the courtyards or living spaces of neighboring properties where women live. Existing structures that violate this rule are required to obscure such views by erecting walls or using coverings.
The rationale provided by the Taliban cites the need to maintain women’s privacy and protection in residential settings. The decree suggests that observing women engaged in everyday activities in their homes, such as cooking or collecting water, could lead to what they describe as “obscene acts.” This development is part of an ongoing pattern of measures by the Taliban that critics argue further restrict visibility and societal participation of women in Afghanistan.
Since reclaiming power in August 2021, the Taliban’s policies have included a series of restrictions on women’s rights, encompassing bans on post-primary education for girls, reduced job opportunities, and limited access to public spaces such as parks. A recent directive also barred women from public singing or poetry recitation, enforcing stricter “veiling” of their voices and appearance outside their homes. In some areas, even broadcasting female voices on local media has ceased.
International bodies, including the United Nations, have condemned these actions, characterizing them as forms of “gender apartheid” and expressing concerns over the erosion of basic rights and freedoms under Taliban rule. Calls for accountability from the international community persist, urging the protection of human rights in Afghanistan, with a focus on those disproportionately affected by these measures, particularly women. Further information on the directive and its implications can be found in detailed reports.