Taliban Imposes Ban on Windows Overlooking Women

The Taliban introduces a controversial ban on windows that overlook women, sparking debates about privacy and gender rights in Afghanistan.

The supreme leader of the Afghan Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has decreed a ban on windows in residential buildings that face areas frequented by women. This decree is part of the government’s broader initiative to enforce Sharia law nationwide.

The statement released on X (previously known as Twitter) by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Saturday details “the guidelines for positioning windows to face neighboring buildings during construction.”

The statement suggests that new buildings should not have windows with views of “the courtyard, kitchen, neighbor’s well and other places usually used by women.” It also recommends blocking existing windows that provide such views.

The document states that observing women working in kitchens, courtyards, or fetching water from wells may provoke inappropriate behavior.

Relevant municipal and other authorities will oversee construction sites to ensure they comply with the decree.

In August 2021, during the concluding phase of the US troop withdrawal, the Taliban seized control in Kabul. The group had previously governed Afghanistan in the 1990s but was removed from power in 2001 following a US-led invasion.

Although the Taliban initially pledged to adopt a more moderate stance after taking control, they have since enforced numerous Sharia-based restrictions. These include banning girls’ education beyond sixth grade, prohibiting women from working in most professions, and imposing strict dress codes.

The Taliban government has not received recognition from the UN; however, it continues to maintain working relationships with a number of countries, including Russia.