The Sound of Silence: How the Taliban's New Laws Are Crushing Afghan Women’s Hopes

The situation for Afghan women under Taliban rule has taken a grim turn with the recent introduction of a new law that drastically restricts their rights. This 114-page decree, released at the end of August 2024, formalizes many of the oppressive regulations that have gradually pushed women out of public life since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. One of the most disturbing aspects of this new law is the directive that bans women from making any sounds in public places, marking a new chapter of silence and isolation for the country’s women.

A Glimpse into Afghanistan’s Regressive Future

Afghanistan has long been considered one of the most restrictive countries for women in the world. Since the Taliban returned to power, women’s rights have been severely curtailed, leading to a significant rollback of freedoms that many had gained during the two decades of Western-backed governance.

The new law, however, marks an even darker phase. This decree prohibits Afghan women from speaking or making any vocal sound in public—except in their homes. It is a policy that sees women’s voices as private property that must be hidden. What does this mean for the future of Afghan women who once dreamed of education, careers, and freedom?

The Taliban’s Longstanding Policies on Women

The restrictions on Afghan women are not new; the Taliban has a long history of imposing strict rules on women's behavior and presence in public life. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has enforced a range of laws that include the closure of girls' schools, bans on women working in most sectors, and restrictions on women's movement without male guardianship. Women have been forced to stay at home, wear full-body coverings in public, and refrain from participating in almost all aspects of civic life.

The Impact of the New Law on Women’s Rights

The new law goes even further, emphasizing control over women’s bodily autonomy, including their ability to express themselves. Now, a woman’s voice is considered a private part, just as her body is. This decree not only silences women physically but also symbolically closes any possibility for them to engage in the public and social spaces where they can assert their presence and voices.