In the latest restriction on women's rights, Afghanistan's Taliban-run government on Saturday ordered all domestic and international non-governmental organisations (NGO) to prevent female employees from coming to work, news agency Reuters reported.
According to the letter, which was confirmed by Economy Ministry spokesperson Abdulrahman Habib, the female employees were barred from working until further notice because some did not follow the administration's understanding of the Islamic dress code for women.
It was uncertain whether the order applied to United Nations agencies, which have a significant presence in Afghanistan, as per the report.
It comes only days after the Taliban-led administration ordered universities to close to women, provoking outrage throughout the world as well as protests and significant criticism within Afghanistan.
The university ban has also received broad international condemnation, notably from nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The United States and the G-7 have also issued warnings that the policy will have repercussions for the Taliban.
On December 22, the Taliban announced that women would be barred from attending universities throughout the country. The discriminatory prohibition is an extension of a similar policy enforced on girls in higher secondary schools since the Taliban reclaimed power last year.
Despite initially promising a more moderate administration that would protect the rights of women and minorities, the Taliban have widely implemented their interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, since assuming control in August 2021.
Women and men have been protesting in several parts of Afghanistan over the restriction on female university students.
A group of women marched near Kabul University, yelling "either everyone or no one" and "one for all," according to a BBC report.
According to the report, many students believe that education is a right that should be equal for men and women.
(With Inputs From Agencies)