July 26, 2023
KABUL – The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have dealt a severe blow to women’s rights and livelihoods by ordering the closure of all beauty parlors across the country. This decision has left tens of thousands of women unemployed and devoid of one of the last remaining areas of work open to them under the Taliban rule.
The ban not only hampers women’s ability to earn a living but also infringes upon their social lives, depriving them of places where they could gather, chat, and ease their sorrows. Prior to the ban, beauty salons were not just establishments where women took care of their appearance but also served as crucial hubs for social interactions.
For women like Shirin, the ban is a haunting reminder of the oppressive restrictions imposed on them. The bridal makeover that she had booked weeks ago became a nerve-wracking experience, with the fear of the Taliban’s sudden appearance looming over the salon. Salon owner Aziza and her staff were on edge, ready to hide the bride at a moment’s notice.
Salon employees, often the main breadwinners for their families, are now left without a source of income. Kamela, a 19-year-old who became the sole provider for her family after losing her media job, expressed her distress over the closure of beauty salons. “Closing beauty salons means all doors are closed to me, which means I cannot work and live as a woman in Afghanistan,” she said.
Manizha, who worked tirelessly to grow her own salon business, trained over 200 women in the industry, making them self-sufficient. Now, her efforts have gone to waste, leaving her and her employees in a state of uncertainty.
The Taliban’s crackdown on women’s freedoms has been relentless since they regained power in August 2021. They have banned girls and women from attending educational institutions, visiting recreational places, and participating in various aspects of public life. Thousands of women have lost their jobs, and their ability to work for international organizations has also been severely curtailed.
The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice claimed that the ban was necessary to prevent extravagant spending on makeovers, which they deemed un-Islamic. However, many beauticians argue that their work was a respectable means of earning a living and supporting their families.
Najla, an orphan who looked after her siblings, expressed her frustration, “I was doing a good job, I was able to get a bit of bread to take home. What will I do now?”
The ban on beauty parlors is yet another dark chapter in the long-standing struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan. As women are further marginalized, the country’s economy suffers, and the hopes for a more inclusive and prosperous society dim.
The international community has condemned the Taliban’s actions and expressed concern for the well-being of Afghan women. Calls for increased support and solidarity with those affected by the ban have been raised by various human rights organizations.
For now, Afghan women are left grappling with an uncertain future, with their dreams of independence and equality being stifled by oppressive measures. As the world watches, the question remains: how will women in Afghanistan continue to fight for their rights and aspirations in the face of such adversity
