Taliban orders closure of beauty salons in Afghanistan

Afghan women work at a garment factory in Jalalabad, December 1, 2022.

The announcement was made by spokesman for the Ministry of Propaganda of Morality and Prevention of Social Evils Mohammad Sadiq Akif on July 4.

Beauty parlors have been popping up in Kabul and other Afghan cities since late 2001. Many remained open after the Taliban returned to power two years ago, providing jobs for some women and services to customers.

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Although they have pledged to apply a more flexible version of Islam than during their first rule from 1996 to 2001, they have gradually introduced restrictions on social life, especially for women. Last year, the Taliban closed most girls’ secondary schools, barred women from university and stopped female workers from working for Afghan aid agencies. Many public places, including public baths, gyms and parks, are also off-limits to women.

Western governments and international organizations say restrictions on women are hindering any progress toward international recognition of the Taliban government.

According to VNA