The Taliban government has issued an order regarding women’s rights, directing that a woman can not be married off against her consent. The statement issued by Taliban’s spokesman said that a woman is not a property but a great and free creature.
The spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid maintained that women can no longer be handed over to any other party in exchange for peace or to end enmity. According to several international news agencies, an order has been issued by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan instructing the citizens that girls’ consent should be obtained for their marriage. The decree also maintains that violators of the order will be punished.
Special Decree Issued by Amir al-Momenin on Women's Rights https://t.co/OEZYqiCE7R pic.twitter.com/Y4xdq0gIQa
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) December 3, 2021
The order further states that a widow should not be forced to remarry her late husband’s brother which is common in Afghan tradition. Widows are also granted a share in the property of their late husbands.
The decree on women’s rights also directs those with more than one marriage to take care of the rights of wives on the basis of equality. The order directs all institutions, scholars and tribal elders to uphold and enforce women’s rights.
Although, Taliban’s recent statement has clarified women’s rights in marriage and property, nothing about girls’ education, employment or involvement in government has been mentioned yet. It should be noted that since taking power in Afghanistan on August 15, no country has officially recognized the Taliban government. International powers say the decision to recognize the Taliban will be based on their treatment of women.
During the previous Taliban regime, the Taliban had banned women from leaving the house without a guardian man, going out in public without a veil, and educating girls. According to the Taliban, they have now changed their beliefs and have not stopped girls’ education, but some human rights activists still have concerns. The international community, which has frozen all funds and foreign assets of Afghanistan, have called on Afghanistan to improve women’s life before any negotiations can take place.
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