Women's rights are not a priority, says Taliban spokesperson

Kabul: After women were banned from universities and working in NGOs, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said overturning these restrictions is not a priority.

In a statement, the Taliban said it will not permit any act that violates Islamic law. The concerns regarding women's rights will be dealt with by the established rules in the country by the group. "The Islamic Emirate tries to regulate all matters in accordance with the Islamic Sharia, and the ruling government cannot allow acts against the Sharia in the country," reported Khaama Press.

He also asked Afghanistan's partners and international aid organisations to understand the religious demands of the country and avoid tying humanitarian aid to politics, reported ANI. Despite many objections, the Taliban has shown any indication to alter their strict policy regarding women's education, employment, and movement in the country.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) rejected the Taliban's claim that its treatment of women is in line with Sharia law. The OIC is an intergovernmental group consisting of all Muslim-majority countries and has repeatedly called the Taliban officials to remove gender-based restrictions and allow women to benefit from inherent fundamental rights.

The Taliban's order to ban women from pursuing education and working in NGOs has met with protests across the country. Around 11 foreign governments including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany along with the UN, the European Union, and several international aid organisations have condemned the ban. A UNICEF report released in August 2022 said that depriving girls of education has cost Afghanistan's economy at least $500 million (2.5% of the GDP) in the last year.