In Afghanistan, the so-called ‘Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice’ has become a powerful tool for systematic oppression, silencing women, and erasing them from public life. Under the Taliban’s rule, Afghan women face relentless and unjustified restrictions that contradict basic Islamic teachings. This regime, claiming to represent Islamic values, has implemented regulations that prevent women from raising their voices and interacting with men outside their immediate families, further isolating them from the public sphere. Such measures are not only oppressive but also a gross misrepresentation of the true spirit of Islam, which advocates for respect, justice, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of gender.
The Taliban’s actions, which they claim are intended to establish an Islamic state, stand in stark contrast to the fundamental teachings of Islam. Central to Islamic belief is the principle of justice, equality, and respect for every human being. Islam does not call for the marginalization of women, but instead, it promotes their fair treatment, education, and active participation in society. Historically, women in Islamic civilization have been scholars, leaders, and integral contributors to their communities. The Quran and Hadith, which are the primary sources of Islamic law, advocate for the protection and elevation of women’s status in society. Yet, the Taliban’s harsh interpretation distorts these principles, using religion as a weapon to subjugate and control women.
Since taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have implemented policies that severely restrict the freedoms of women. Afghan women have lost their basic rights, including access to education, employment, and public life. Banning women from higher education and imposing strict regulations on their movements and behavior signal a war against women that is as destructive as any military conflict. These draconian measures, disguised under the guise of religious virtue, have inflicted profound psychological, social, and economic harm on women. Entire generations of Afghan girls are now being denied the right to learn, grow, and contribute to society, undermining the very fabric of the nation’s development and prosperity.
One of the most alarming moves by the Taliban was the replacement of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs with the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. This deliberate shift is a clear indication of the regime’s intent to erase women from Afghan society. By dissolving the institution that once protected women’s rights and provided them with a platform for advocacy, the Taliban have institutionalized gender apartheid. Under the pretext of enforcing morality, the Taliban’s version of the “Propagation of Virtue” effectively enforces gender segregation and controls every aspect of women’s lives. This act of exclusion is not about the promotion of virtue but about domination and control, turning Afghanistan into a virtual prison for its women.
Contrary to the Taliban’s claims, their policies are not rooted in Islamic virtue but in the enforcement of patriarchal control. Islam recognizes the intellectual and social contributions of women and calls for their fair treatment and protection. By denying women the right to education, employment, and the freedom to express themselves, the Taliban are acting in direct opposition to the teachings of Islam. In Islamic history, women like Aisha bint Abi Bakr, one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, were revered scholars and public figures. The oppression of Afghan women today is a betrayal of these values and an affront to the legacy of women’s empowerment in Islam.
The Taliban’s systematic persecution of women is not merely a domestic issue; it is a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent global attention. Their policies amount to an institutionalized form of gender apartheid that strips women of their fundamental rights. The international community must not turn a blind eye to this oppression. Silence in the face of such injustice only emboldens the oppressors. Global leaders and institutions must take decisive action to hold the Taliban accountable for their human rights violations, particularly the violation of women’s rights. Economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and support for Afghan women’s rights organizations are essential steps in combating this gender apartheid.
The situation in Afghanistan is dire, and the suffering of women under the Taliban’s regime is unbearable. Banning women from higher education and employment, denying them a voice in public life, and restricting their interactions with men have not only destroyed their livelihoods but also condemned half the population to a life of invisibility. This is not the propagation of virtue but a blatant violation of human rights. Afghan women are not passive victims; they are resilient and courageous, fighting to reclaim their place in society. However, they cannot do it alone. The international community must amplify their voices and support their struggle for freedom and justice.
The Taliban’s actions, far from promoting an Islamic state, have created a system that is at odds with the core values of Islam. Their oppressive regime is not about virtue, but about control—enforcing a gender-apartheid that suffocates the spirit of Afghan women. The international community must act swiftly to condemn and combat this gender-based oppression. Afghan women deserve a future where they can pursue education, work, and live with dignity, as their religion and humanity entitle them to. Anything less is a betrayal of justice, compassion, and the true essence of Islam.
