Taliban Prevent Women from Entering Kabul International Exhibition

Women traders reported that Taliban forces prevented them from entering the third International Exhibition on Building, Construction, and Reconstruction in Kabul, which opened on 23 Dalu (February 12) and runs until 27 Dalu.

The women said they had paid 6,000 afghanis to rent booths but were barred at the entrance by Taliban agents enforcing the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice. One trader stated that they were initially informed they could participate, but entry was later blocked. Another noted that over the past two days, despite payments, Afghan women were denied access while foreign women were allowed inside.

Sources told Hasht-e Subh that the restriction continued on 24 Dalu, with no permission for women to participate or display products such as handicrafts, paintings, clothing, local produce, and food items. The exhibition features dozens of domestic and foreign companies and was inaugurated with Taliban officials and delegations from countries including Iran.

Taliban authorities have not officially commented on the reports. Last year, the event was held without women participants. Similar restrictions have occurred in Herat province, where Taliban initially banned women from exhibitions before segregating sections, allowing only female journalists to report from women's areas without photography or filming, and prohibiting cross-visits.

The incident occurs amid broader Taliban restrictions on women since 2021, including bans on education beyond sixth grade, university attendance, and work in many sectors, as well as limits on public movement.