The Taliban in Afghanistan are constantly adopting new constraints to severely limit women’s rights. This time, the Taliban have set up different schedules for men and women to visit amusement parks. Women’s and girls’ rights will be in jeopardy if such segregation continues. The Taliban’s Ministry of Virtue and Prevention of Vice issued an order that all Kabul rides and games be open to ladies and girls from Sunday to Tuesday, and boys and men from Wednesday to Saturday.
Recently, there were speculations that the Taliban were getting a bit progressive by reopening the school for girls. However, the joy was short-lived because schools were shut immediately. Now there is this imposition of this gender-based segregation. The UN and other foreign observers have oftentimes cautioned against atrocities against girls and women under the seven-month-old regime. It includes severe limitations on their movement, freedom to work or travel, and the ability to carry out even the most basic aspects of public life.
No weapons at amusement parks
When the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, they had enforced a stricter version of Sharia law. While the Sunni Pashtun organization is attempting to project a more moderate image to the outside world it has yet to follow through on many of the pledges it made before gaining complete control of Afghanistan. Last month, there were restrictions for Taliban militants from bringing their guns to amusement parks. It appeared to be yet another attempt to soften the group’s image as it seeks international acceptance. Pictures of Taliban fighters enjoying amusement park rides appeared soon after the Taliban took control of Kabul in mid-August.
“The Taliban regime is now officially a gender apartheid authoritarian police state, ” Tamim Asey said. Tamim is executive chairman of the Institute of War and Peace Studies and the Council on Foreign Relations of Afghanistan. He tweeted after the park ban announcement, adding, “The regime, while a de facto reality… merits no recognition and legitimacy,” RFE/RL reported.
