Taliban penal code restricts women’s rights, institutionalizes gender apartheid in Afghanistan, Malala Foundation

KABUL: The Malala Foundation has stated that the Taliban’s penal code restricts the rights of women and girls, institutionalizing gender apartheid in Afghanistan. This penal code, along with the law on “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice,” criminalizes women’s movement, freedom of expression, and independence, while undermining accountability for violence against them. Malala Yousafzai, the founder of the foundation, emphasized, “We must unite and stand with the people of Afghanistan to hold the Taliban accountable for these crimes.” Following the release of the penal code, citizens, international organizations, and human rights advocates have reacted strongly; however, the Taliban has defended it, calling critics infidels.