Afghanistan bans windows in residential buildings to ensure women's purdah

Afghanistan imposed a ban on constructing windows in residential buildings that overlook neighbors' homes, citing the need to ensure the privacy of women.

The directive issued by the Taliban’s supreme leader also ordered blocking existing windows that provide a view into neighboring properties.

According to AFP, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that new buildings must not have windows that allow visibility into areas such as courtyards, kitchens, or wells—places predominantly used by women. He explained that such visibility could lead to "obscene acts."

The order, shared by Mujahid on X, instructed municipal authorities and other relevant departments to strictly monitor construction sites, ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

For existing buildings, owners are being asked to either block or remove windows that allow a view into neighboring homes to preserve privacy of women and prevent intrusion.

In December, Afghan women were barred from studying nursing and midwifery, the only fields previously open to them following a blanket ban on female education above six grade in Afghanistan.

Experts warned of dire consequences for women’s healthcare in Afghanistan, a country already grappling with one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates.

According to WHO, 620 women die for every 100,000 births in Afghanistan.

In October, Afghan Taliban barred women from hearing each other while praying or reciting the Quran in both public and private spaces. According to human rights organisations, the move could lead to a complete ban on women even speaking to one another.

The Taliban administration had already imposed a ban in August on women speaking, reading, or singing aloud in public spaces.

Afghan women are also prohibited from traveling without a male guardian, attending universities, or participating in sports.