Kabul (TDI): The Taliban’s supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by women and stating that existing ones should be blocked.
The Taliban government spokesman said in a statement that new buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see “the kitchen, courtyard, neighbour’s well and other places usually used by women”.
The decree shared by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on social media platform X states that observing women working in courtyards, kitchens or collecting water from wells could lead to immoral acts.
Municipal authorities and other relevant institutions would have to monitor construction sites to ensure it is not possible to see into neighbours’ homes.
In the event that such windows exist, owners would be encouraged to raise a wall or obstruct the view “to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours”, the decree states.
Since the Taliban’s regained power in August 2021, women and girls have been increasingly excluded from public spaces, leading the UN to condemn the “gender apartheid” implemented by the administration.
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Taliban authorities have banned post-primary education for girls, restricted employment and blocked access to parks and other public places.
A recent law even prohibits female citizens from singing or reciting poetry in public.
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It also orders them to “veil” their voices and bodies outside the home.
Some local radio and television channels have also stopped broadcasts using female voices.
