Taliban prevent women from participating in Kandahar exhibition

A three-day exhibition in Kandahar Province, the Taliban’s stronghold, is showcasing products from 150 Afghan manufacturers, Afghan Amu news outlet said on Sunday.

Despite women playing a crucial role in producing many items, they have been barred from attending the event, which features hand-embroidered collars, homemade jams, pickles, and traditional garments.

The exclusion of women has led to male relatives representing them at the event. Organizers confirmed that all participants are men, reflecting the Taliban’s ongoing restrictions on women’s participation in public and professional life.
Local Taliban officials have not commented on the ban, but the decision aligns with broader measures limiting women’s roles in Afghanistan, including restrictions on education, employment, and public presence.

Observers warn that such policies undermine female entrepreneurs’ contributions to the economy and signal continued exclusionary practices under Taliban governance, affecting the vibrancy and inclusivity of public events.