By Fidel Rahmati in Khaama Press online, August 27, 2023
The Taliban administration, disregarding the international outrage stemming from the “oppressive” restrictions imposed on the lives, work, and education of women in Afghanistan, has continued to intensify these limitations. In the latest instance, as per the directive of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the Taliban, women are not allowed to visit Band-e-Amir’s attractions.
Khalid Hanafi, the acting Minister of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in the Taliban administration, during his visit to the Bamyan province on Saturday, held discussions with religious scholars.
He conveyed that until the formulation of “principles,” women are not allowed to visit Band-e Amir National Park. He adopted a conspicuously threatening tone in his address, saying, “It is a mistake to try the tried one; we have tolerated it for two years, but women did not observe the hijab.”
The Band-e-Amir National Park, located in Bamyan Province, one of Afghanistan’s central provinces, holds a significant position and is considered one of the most attractive recreational destinations in the country. With its stunning mountain ranges and beautiful springs, the park has consistently captivated the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists. Throughout the spring, summer, and autumn seasons, families from all over Afghanistan visit Band-e-Amir, but the potential ban on women’s entry might adversely impact the park’s vibrancy.
Women’s rights activists criticize this decision of the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice as unjust, describing it as an unfair portrayal. They argue that the enforcement of the hijab is being used as a pretext, and they said that the Taliban aim to exclude women from society.
Julia Parsi, a women’s rights activist and co-founder of the Women’s Library, told Khaama Press News Agency: “As long as they (Taliban) remain in power in Afghanistan, we will witness significant restrictions. However, if these restrictions are not prevented, women will experience even greater depression and might choose to migrate.”
Marwa Hayat, a young woman previously deprived of the right to education and work, told Khaama Press News Agency that with the rise of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban), her freedoms have been curtailed, leading to ongoing psychological struggles. She said, “I am a medical student who has been denied the opportunity to achieve my goals. Closing down recreational spaces like Band-e Amir is unimaginable for women, as Band-e Amir National Park was the only place where women could escape their pain and distress for a few hours.”
Earlier, the Taliban banned women from attending sports clubs, public baths, and parks and demanded that they not even travel without a legal male companion. The Taliban administration, responsible for significant violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan, has cited the lack of adherence to Islamic hijab as the primary reason for imposing restrictions on women in various sectors.
Nabila told Khaama Press News Agency that travel is a natural right for both men and women. By banning women’s travel rights, the Taliban has deprived them of their fundamental rights. Hearing negative news about women is unpleasant for me and all women and girls because women, like men, have the right to visit recreational places and be with their families and friends. I urge the de facto administration to accept women as integral members of society and recognize their rights officially.
These restrictions imposed by the interim administration have affected women’s lives, work, and education, prompting reactions and condemnation from the global community. However, the Taliban interim government claims that women’s rights are preserved within the framework of the Sharia laws.
Laila Baseem, a women’s rights activist and co-founder of the Women’s Library, said that restrictive actions against women pose significant challenges to the international community’s recognition of the Taliban de facto administration. These measures are detrimental and not in anyone’s favour.
The recent ban has not only been met with reactions from civil society activists in Afghanistan but has also garnered international responses. Frishta Abbasi, a human rights researcher, posted an image of Band-e-Amir and wrote, “Depriving women of this magnificent place… miserable and unpleasant.”
She said on social media platform X that the Taliban had issued a new directive on “Women’s Equality Day” to prevent women from entering the Band-e-Amir. Ms Abbasi added that this decision is “a complete disrespect to women of Afghanistan.”
On the other hand, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, also asked, “Can someone please explain why this restriction on women visiting the Band-e-Amir is necessary to comply with Afghan culture and Sharia?”
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-bans-women-from-band-e-amir-visits-amid-global-outcry/
