Afghanistan: Taliban Orders Ban On Construction Of Windows In Residential Buildings Overlooking Areas Frequented By Women

The Taliban's supreme leader in Afghanistan has banned the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas frequented by women.

The Taliban government's spokesman said in a statement that new buildings shouldn't have windows through which "the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour's well and other places usually used by women" are visible.

Tweet Of Taliban Govt's Spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid

The Taliban government's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a post on X that seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts.

According to the Taliban government, municipal authorities and other relevant departments would have to monitor construction sites to ensure that the view towards the neighbour's house is blocked in residential buildings, reported AFP. In houses where such windows exist, owners would be asked to build a wall or obscure the view using other methods in order to avoid "nuisances caused to neighbours".

A recent law even prohibits women from singing or reciting poetry in public. It also encourages them to "veil" their voices and bodies outside the home, reported AFP.