The United Nations has raised alarm over the Taliban’s recent arrests of numerous women and girls in Kabul, Afghanistan, for allegedly violating strict dress code regulations. Between July 16 and 19, 2025, the Taliban’s Vice and Virtue Ministry detained individuals for not adhering to the mandatory hijab policy, which requires women to cover all but their eyes in public. These actions, rooted in the Taliban’s enforcement of its interpretation of Islamic law since regaining power in 2021, have intensified global scrutiny and concern over human rights violations in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s Dress Code Crackdown
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, the group has implemented stringent morality laws to regulate public behavior, particularly targeting women. A decree issued in May 2022 mandates that women must wear a head-to-toe burqa or similar covering, showing only their eyes, to comply with the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic dress codes. Failure to adhere to these rules, vaguely defined as wearing a “bad hijab,” has led to arrests, with the latest wave occurring in Kabul from July 16–19, 2025.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that “numerous” women and girls were detained during this period, though specific details, such as the number of arrests, ages, or detention conditions, remain undisclosed. The UN has expressed deep concern, stating that these incidents “further isolate women and girls, contribute to a climate of fear, and erode public trust” in Afghanistan’s governance.
A Pattern of Oppression
This is not the first instance of such enforcement. In January 2024, the Taliban’s Vice and Virtue Ministry arrested women in Kabul for similar dress code violations, with reports of ill-treatment and extortion in exchange for releases. The ministry’s spokesperson, Abdul Ghafar Farooq, provided no clarity on what constitutes a “bad hijab,” leaving women vulnerable to arbitrary enforcement. These actions are part of a broader campaign to restrict women’s rights, including bans on education beyond the sixth grade and limitations on public participation, which have drawn widespread condemnation.
The Taliban’s policies have created an environment of fear, particularly for women and girls, who face constant surveillance and punishment for perceived non-compliance. The UN has called for the Taliban to rescind these restrictive measures, emphasizing that they violate fundamental human rights and freedoms. However, with no immediate response from Taliban representatives, the situation remains tense.
International Response and Implications
The international community has reacted with concern, though tangible action remains limited. The UN’s statement highlights the need for policies that uphold human rights, particularly for women and girls, who have been disproportionately affected by the Taliban’s rule. Since 2021, the Taliban has sought international recognition, with Russia being the only country to grant formal recognition in July 2025. This lack of broader diplomatic acceptance reflects global unease with the Taliban’s governance, particularly its treatment of women.
Social media platforms, such as X, have amplified the issue, with posts expressing outrage over the arrests and criticizing the Taliban’s oppressive tactics. One user described the arrests as the Taliban “terrorizing women,” reflecting a broader sentiment of frustration with the group’s policies. However, these posts alone do not provide conclusive evidence and should be viewed as part of the public discourse rather than definitive proof.
The Broader Context: Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
The Taliban’s dress code enforcement is just one facet of its systemic restrictions on women. Since 2021, women have been barred from higher education, restricted from working in many sectors, and prohibited from traveling without a male guardian. These policies have not only curtailed personal freedoms but also stifled Afghanistan’s social and economic development. The ban on girls’ education beyond sixth grade, in particular, has been cited by the UN as a significant barrier to progress, further isolating Afghanistan from the global community.
These measures have sparked fears of a humanitarian crisis, as women and girls are increasingly marginalized. The lack of transparency around the recent arrests—such as where the detainees are held or their treatment—raises concerns about potential abuses, echoing reports from January 2024 of extortion and mistreatment.
Why This Matters Globally
The Taliban’s actions have far-reaching implications, not only for Afghan women but also for global human rights advocacy. The enforcement of morality laws underscores the challenges of balancing cultural norms with universal human rights standards. For activists, policymakers, and organizations, the situation in Afghanistan serves as a call to action to support women’s rights and press for accountability from the Taliban.
Businesses and NGOs operating in or near Afghanistan may face challenges navigating this environment, as the Taliban’s policies limit women’s participation in the workforce and public life. The international community’s response—or lack thereof—will shape the future of Afghanistan’s integration into global systems, with potential consequences for regional stability and human rights progress.
Gender equality
The Taliban’s arrest of Afghan women and girls for dress code violations is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Afghanistan. As the United Nations and global advocates call for change, the international community must prioritize actionable steps to support Afghan women and girls. By raising awareness, supporting grassroots movements, and pressuring the Taliban to uphold human rights, there is hope for a more inclusive future.
