Taliban insist Afghan women's rights are protected as U.N. says their bans cannot be ignored

Taliban claims Afghan women's rights are protected, despite ongoing bans on education and employment, as U.N. condemns restrictions.

The Taliban issued a message on International Women's Day, saying Afghan women live in security with their rights protected, even as the U.N. condemned ongoing employment and education bans.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, they have barred education for women and girls beyond sixth grade, most employment, and many public spaces. Last August, the Vice and Virtue Ministry published laws that ban women's voices and bare faces outside the home.

The Taliban's chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid released a statement on his official X account, without specifically mentioning International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8.

He said the dignity, honour, and legal rights of women were a priority for the Islamic emirate, the term used by the Taliban to describe their government.

Afghan women lived in security, both physically and psychologically, he added.

“In accordance with Islamic law and the culture and traditions of Afghan society, the fundamental rights of Afghan women have been secured. However, it should not be forgotten that the rights of Afghan women are being discussed within an Islamic and Afghan society, which has clear differences from Western societies and their culture,” said Mr. Mujahid.

Also Saturday (March 8, 2025), the U.N. renewed its call for the Taliban to lift the bans.