- The movement is the latest crackdown on women’s freedoms.
- Some employees did not adhere to the “Islamic dress code”.
- This comes after the Taliban banned women in universities.
Kabul: Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban Administration In the latest crackdown on women’s freedoms, it ordered all local and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on Saturday to prevent female employees from coming to work, according to a letter from the Ministry of Economy.
The letter, confirmed by Economy Ministry spokesman Abdul Rahman Habib, said female employees were not allowed to work until further notice because some did not follow the administration’s interpretation of the Islamic dress code for women.
This comes days after the Taliban-led administration. Ordered universities Closer to women, which has been condemned internationally and has sparked some protests and strong criticism within Afghanistan.
Norway’s charge d’affaires, which provides aid in Afghanistan and hosted talks between the Taliban and members of civil society in January, condemned the move.
“The ban on women employees in NGOs must be withdrawn immediately,” tweeted Paul Klomanbeacon. will hurt Afghans.”
It was not immediately clear how the order would affect UN agencies, which have a large presence in Afghanistan to provide services during the country’s humanitarian crisis.
When asked if the rules cover UN agencies, Habib said the letter applies under Afghanistan’s coordinating bodies for humanitarian organizations, known as ACBAR. The organization does not include the United Nations but includes more than 180 local and international NGOs.
However, the UN often contracts with NGOs registered in Afghanistan to carry out its humanitarian work.
Aid workers say women workers are critical to ensuring women can access aid.
Afghanistan’s already troubled economy has been in crisis since the Taliban took power in 2021, with the country facing sanctions and cuts in development aid.
Humanitarian aid, aimed at meeting immediate needs, has provided a lifeline to millions of people. According to the International Rescue Committee, more than half of Afghanistan’s population depends on humanitarian aid.