Afghan women live 'better' under my rule, says Taliban supreme leader

An armed Taliban fighter stands guard as burqa-clad women line up for food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid team in Kabul . Credit: AP Photo/Ebrahim Norouzi

Taliban supreme leader says life for women in Afghanistan has 'improved' thanks to his rule and ending the 'mistakes' of 20 years of hijab occupation.

In a statement on Al-Adha's Eid this week, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who rarely appears in public and rules by decree from the Taliban's birthplace in Kandahar, said steps had been taken to ensure women «a comfortable and prosperous life in accordance with Islamic Sharia.”

Last week, the United Nations expressed “deep concern” that women are being denied their rights under the Afghan Taliban government and warned of systematic gender apartheid.

Since returning to power in August 2021, Taliban authorities have banned girls and women from high school or university, barred them from parks, gyms and public baths, and ordered them to cover up when leaving their homes. They also banned them from working for the UN or NGOs, while most female civil servants were fired from their jobs or paid to stay at home.

However, according to Akhundzade, “necessary steps have been undertaken.» to improve the status of women as half of society.”

“All institutions have an obligation to assist women in securing marriage, inheritance and other rights,” he said in a statement. According to Akhundzade, a six-point decree issued in December 2021 guarantees women their rights.

in public. Credit: MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images

Among other things, the decree outlawed forced marriages and secured the right to inheritance and divorce.

“The negative aspects of the past 20 years of occupation related to female hijabs and disorientation will soon end,” Akhundzade said.

A UN Human Rights Council report last week by Richard Bennett, special rapporteur on Afghanistan, said, that the plight of women and girls in the country “was one of the worst in the world.”

“Serious, systematic and institutionalized discrimination against women and girls is at the heart of the ideology and rule of the Taliban, which also raises fears that they may be responsible for gender apartheid,” Bennett said.

UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif added: «Over the past 22 months, every aspect of the lives of women and girls has been restricted.»

«They are discriminated against in every way.»

Despite his rare public appearances, Akhundzade regularly publishes lengthy “state statements” — stylish statements ahead of important Muslim festivals and holidays.

“Nationally, Afghanistan’s independence has been restored again,” he said.

He praised Afghanistan’s economic resilience, efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation and improve national security .

“Our common duty is to protect and serve our Islamic system,” he said.

“The current system is the result of thousands of Mujahideen victims. Let's support each other, eliminate conspiracies, value security and prosperity, and work together to further strengthen it.»