Taliban reinforce ban on women working in NGOs

The Taliban have reiterated their ban on women working in non-governmental organizations, issuing a follow-up letter dated December 26, 2024, to enforce compliance with their December 2022 directive, Afghan Amu news outlet said on Sunday.

The Ministry of Economy instructed all domestic and international NGOs to cease employing women immediately, warning that non-compliance would lead to the suspension of operations and revocation of licenses.

The letter specifically addressed NGOs reportedly still employing women despite the initial ban. International humanitarian groups have condemned the restriction, emphasizing the critical role of female workers in delivering aid to women and children in Afghanistan’s cultural context.

The renewed enforcement highlights the Taliban’s tightening restrictions on women’s rights, further isolating Afghanistan amid ongoing economic and humanitarian crises.