Women are 'trapped'

In a statement released on International Women's Day, the UN mission said that Afghanistan's rulers have shown an almost 'singular focus on imposing rules that leave most women and girls effectively trapped in their homes.'

SINCE the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the country has become the most repressive in the world for women and girls, deprived of many of their basic rights, the United Nations has said.

Despite initial promises of a more moderate stance, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures since seizing power in 2021 when Nato forces pulled out of Afghanistan after two decades of war.

They have banned girls' education beyond the primary level and women from public spaces such as parks and gyms.

Women are also barred from working at national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and must cover themselves head-to-toe.