“Taliban Orders Closure of Beauty Salons in Afghanistan, Prompting Concern and Public Protest”

Introduction:

The Taliban has issued a directive ordering the closure of all beauty salons in Afghanistan, despite rare public opposition to the edict. The ruling is part of a series of restrictions on the rights and freedoms of Afghan women, further limiting their access to education, public spaces, and employment. The ban has elicited concern from international groups, including the United Nations, which are seeking a reversal of the decision due to its negative impact on women’s entrepreneurship and the economy.

Section 1: The Ban on Beauty Salons

The Taliban’s Virtue and Vice Ministry spokesperson, Sadiq Akif Mahjer, announced the ban on beauty salons, citing services offered that are considered forbidden by Islam. Among the prohibited services are eyebrow shaping, the use of others’ hair for augmentation, and the application of makeup, which is believed to interfere with the required ablutions before prayer.

Section 2: Rare Public Opposition

Following the one-month deadline given to salons to close, a rare public protest was held in Kabul, where beauticians and makeup artists gathered to express their opposition to the ban. Security forces reportedly used force to disperse the protestors, highlighting the escalating restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Section 3: Impact on Women and the Economy

The ban has serious consequences for Afghan women, with approximately 60,000 women losing their jobs in the beauty industry. Beauty salons have not only been a source of income but also provided a space for women to find community and support, especially after the Taliban’s dismantling of systems addressing domestic violence.

Section 4: International Concern and Calls for Reversal

International groups, including the United Nations, have expressed concern over the ban and its implications on women’s rights and entrepreneurship. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called on the authorities to halt the edict, emphasizing its negative impact on the economy and women’s rights.

Conclusion:

The Taliban’s ban on beauty salons in Afghanistan represents another significant restriction on the rights and freedoms of women in the country. The closure of salons not only affects women’s livelihoods but also diminishes their access to supportive spaces. International organizations and the UN are actively advocating for the reversal of this decision to protect women’s rights and promote gender equality in Afghanistan.