In Afghanistan, foreign and local non-governmental organizations have been ordered to keep women out of work until further notice because some of them allegedly did not adhere to the Islamic dress code. This is reported by the Associated Press.
Economy Ministry spokesman Abdulrahman Habib told Reuters that the order was sent to organizations that are part of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Aid Coordination Agency (ACBAR). This body includes more than 180 local and international non-governmental organizations.
The order came just days after the Taliban banned female students from universities across the country. Thus, the Taliban further worsened the situation of women in the country. In August 2021, when the group seized power in the country, studies in universities and schools in Afghanistan were suspended for women. Later, the Taliban allowed them to return to teaching, but only separately from men and under the guidance of female teachers. In March, the Taliban opened schools for girls in the sixth grade and above, but after a few hours they again declared "holidays".
Protests have been taking place in various cities of Afghanistan since the beginning of this week. On December 24, women demonstrated in the city of Herat, they moved towards the office of the local authorities, chanting: "Education is our right!" The security forces used water cannons against the women. About 100-150 women took part in the action in Herat.