Kandahar: Afghan Taliban supreme leader said that steps were being taken to protect country’s women from “Traditional oppressions” and added that their status as “Free and dignified human beings” had been restored.

Hibatullah Akhundzada who rarely appears in public and rules by decree from Taliban´s birthplace in Kandahar issued statement to mark beginning of \ul Adha holidays.

He said country’s interim government led by Taliban were taking measures to provide women with “Comfortable and prosperous life according to Islamic Sharia”.

United Nations expressed Ddeep concern” last week that women were being deprived of their rights under Afghanistan’s Taliban government and warned of systematic gender apartheid.

They have barred them from working for UN or NGOs, while most female government employees have been dismissed from their jobs or are being paid to stay at home.

However, Akhundzada said, “Necessary steps have been taken for betterment of women as half of society”.

“All institutions have been obliged to help women in securing marriage, inheritance and other rights,” his statement read.

Akhundzada said six-point decree issued in December 2021 guaranteed women their rights.

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

“Negative aspects of past 20-year occupation related to women´s hijab and misguidance will end soon,” Akhundzada said.

Despite his rare public appearances, Akhundzada has regularly issued lengthy “State-of-the-nation”-style statements ahead of important Muslim festivals and holidays.

He praised Afghanistan’s economic resilience, efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation and improvement in national security. “It is our shared responsibility to protect and serve our Islamic system,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 26 2023

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