The Taliban has banned windows overlooking areas used by women, intensifying restrictions on Afghan women’s visibility and freedom. The decree mandates blocking such views in existing buildings to prevent "obscene acts." Critics call it a step toward the total erasure of women’s personhood under the Taliban regime.
The Taliban has issued a new directive banning residential buildings from having windows that overlook areas traditionally used by women, such as courtyards, kitchens, and wells. The edict, introduced by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, also mandates that existing windows with such views be blocked to prevent “obscene acts.”
The decree, announced by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, requires municipal authorities to monitor construction projects to ensure compliance. Homeowners are encouraged to build walls or install obstructions if such views exist.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced increasing restrictions. They are banned from post-primary education, employment in many sectors, and access to public spaces like parks. Women are also prohibited from singing or reciting poetry in public, with laws urging them to "veil" their voices and bodies.
Critics have condemned these measures as a systematic effort to erase women from public life. Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch describes the situation as the “annihilation of women’s personhood,” warning that the Taliban’s actions are eliminating even women’s visibility and connection to the outside world.
The Taliban insists its rules align with Islamic law, claiming it guarantees the rights of Afghan men and women. However, many international observers view these policies as oppressive, silencing women’s voices and restricting their freedoms further.
