Afghanistan: Taliban Leader Claims 'Comfortable And Prosperous Life' Of Women

Amidst the various reports of deteriorating conditions of women in Afghanistan, the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada made claims of women being provided with a "comfortable" and "prosperous life." 

Supreme Taliban Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada released an Eid-Ul-Adah message where he asserts that his government has taken measures to improve the lives of women in the country. The statement was made public ahead of the celebrations of Eid-ul-Adah coming this week. 

Afghanistan Women's Life Under Taliban

Hibatullah's remarks came up in the times when women have been deprived of basic freedom rights since the Taliban took over the nation. 

The supreme leader claims that his government has taken certain measures and necessary steps for women to provide them with comfortable and prosperous life according to Islamic Sharia laws. He also claimed that various institutions have been instilled that are obligated to secure women's rights over marriage, inheritance, and other areas. Women's status as dignified and free human beings have been restored under his rule.

Reports say that women in Afghanistan are banned from public life and have limited access to work and education. Women are banned from access of public places like parks, gyms, etc.

However, these tall claims by the supreme leader come days after the UN reports saying the presence of women in the Taliban has been completely erased. Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan has reported that more than 50 edicts deny women of Afghanistan rights to jobs, education, and participation in social and political life. While UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan declared that the Taliban has completely abolished women's presence in public places.

Reports also claim that since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in September 2021, it has approximately implemented 50 anti-women decrees. The country currently faces the largest humanitarian crisis while a population of 28 million relies on it. The actions of the Taliban against human rights have reportedly received global condemnation isolating the country from many International trades and events. 

Suggested Reading: Women’s Secret War: Inside Story Of US Female Soldiers On Missions To Afghanistan