IEA bars women from working for NGOs, sparking criticism

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Economy (MoE)has ordered local and foreign NGOs to bar female staff from working until next notice.

The ban on women workers of NGOs was announced in a letter signed by Economy Minister Qari Din Mohammad Hanif on Saturday.

Confirmed by ministry spokesperson Abdul Rahman Habib, the letter says female employees of NGOs were not allowed to work until further orders.

It argued some female workers not adhere to the Taliban administration's interpretation of Islamic dress code for women.

The latest restriction comes days after the caretaker government ordered universities to bar women, prompting global condemnation and sparking protests and heavy criticism at home and abroad.

The letter warned license issued to the NGOs by the ministry would be revoked in case they violated the order, vehemently denounced by the EU and others.

In reaction to the move, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced his deep concern. The ban would disrupt vital and life-saving assistance to millions, he tweeted.

“Women are central to humanitarian operations around the world. This decision could be devastating for the Afghan people,” he wrote.

sa/mud