New strict restrictions on women's activities and visits to public places have been introduced in the Herat province in western Afghanistan. According to the new order of the regional governor Zana Vahid, no longer will any woman have the right to enter the school grounds or government institutions without a paranja.
According to reports, this ban is not limited to educational institutions - it applies to hospitals, government agencies, banks, and even prisons. According to witnesses, even women in hijabs are often not allowed inside, and they are forced to wait outside for hours.
Kabul Now reports that the Taliban's interim government has issued additional instructions to local taxi drivers not to bring women without a burqa. Numerous checkpoints have been set up throughout the region, and punitive measures are being taken against drivers who transported women without paranja.
It should be recalled that in October of last year, the Taliban also suspended the operation of a women's cafe in Herat - without an official explanation, the institution was sealed and its activities were restricted.
In addition, in recent months, the Taliban's Ministry of Higher Education has banned university professors and administrative staff from using smartphones during working hours. The Ministry's document emphasizes that this requirement was introduced to make the work process more efficient and prevent distractions for employees.
Thus, international non-governmental organizations are also expressing concern about the further restriction of opportunities for free movement, education, and healthcare for women in the Herat region.
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