Afghanistan's Supreme Leader Highlights Progress in Women's Rights and Islamic Governance

Afghanistan's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, issued a statement Sunday in celebration of Eid al-Adha, praising the country's adoption of Islamic governance and its advancements in women's rights. Akhundzada said the Taliban has taken steps to provide women with a "comfortable and prosperous life according to Islamic Sharia," citing a six-point decree issued in December 2021. This decree outlawed forced marriages and enshrined the right to inheritance and divorce, among other rights.  

Though the United Nations expressed "deep concern" last week that women were being deprived of their rights under Afghanistan's Taliban government, Akhundzada asserted that "all institutions have been obliged to help women in securing marriage, inheritance and other rights." He added that the "negative aspects of the past 20-year occupation related to women's hijab and misguidance will end soon." Akhundzada also praised Afghanistan's economic resilience, efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation, and the improvement in national security. He urged the country to "stand by each other, eliminate conspiracies, value security and prosperity, and work together for its further enhancement."

Despite the UN's concerns for women's rights, Afghanistan has made numerous advances in the last two years in this area. According to Akhundzada, the Taliban's efforts have been aimed at restoring women's status as "free and dignified human beings," and ensuring that they are saved from "traditional oppressions." The UN has previously noted the Taliban's systematic gender apartheid in Afghanistan, warning of the grave, systematic and institutionalized discrimination against women and girls in the country. However, Akhundzada's statement marks an important step in the right direction for women's rights in Afghanistan.