The Taliban has announced plans to close all national and foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Afghanistan employing women, marking a significant escalation in its crackdown on women's rights since taking power in August 2021. This ultimatum was issued two years after the regime previously suspended the employment of Afghan women, based on claims regarding their adherence to the Islamic headscarf rules. In a letter published on X, the Economy Ministry cautioned that failure to comply with this order would result in NGOs losing their operational licenses in Afghanistan (VOA News, LA Times, CNN).

The Economy Ministry emphasized its role in the registration, coordination, leadership, and supervision of all organizational activities and reiterated its decision to halt the participation of women in institutions not governed by the Taliban. The ministry stated, “In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be canceled and the activity license of that institution, granted by the ministry, will also be canceled.” This reflects the Taliban's ongoing effort to exert control over NGO operations.

Amid increasing challenges, The United Nations expressed deep concern over the diminishing space for women in Afghanistan, emphasizing the necessity of their participation in humanitarian efforts. UN associate spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez noted, “This really impacts how we can provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to all the people in Afghanistan.” She appealed for the reversal of restrictions that have notably denied half the population their rights and exacerbated a looming humanitarian crisis.

Reports indicate a growing number of Afghan women humanitarian workers have faced interruptions in their duties, with the Taliban’s morality police increasingly detaining staff from humanitarian organizations. The Taliban, however, refutes claims of obstructing aid agencies, maintaining that their activities are not impeded.

In a related development, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered that buildings should not have windows facing areas where women might sit or stand, reinforcing the government's stringent measures. This decree applies to both new constructions and existing buildings, stipulating that local authorities must ensure compliance by obscuring any views into private spaces. Such restrictions have prompted further calls from the UN for the Taliban to reconsider their approach to women's rights in the country.