The Afghan Ministry of Economy has reiterated its call with authority for all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country to stop giving women jobs. This was highlighted by a statement last 29 December, where the ministry warned that any NGO that does not comply will have its activities suspended and its license revoked.
In December 2022, the Taliban authorities - who are not internationally recognized - issued a similar order, directing all NGOs to suspend the employment of female Afghan employees until further notice.
Since returning to power, the Taliban government has not allowed Afghan girls and women to study beyond primary school. The Taliban authorities originally said the ban was a "temporary suspension" that will be resolved after the establishment of a safe environment for girls to attend school, but no changes have been made so far.
The Taliban defends their actions as necessary to uphold the country's law, social norms and public safety.
The group denies that it has imposed complete bans on women’s activities and highlighted that nearly 9,000 work permits have been issued to women since the Taliban’s takeover and that many women are employed in the Afghan workforce.