Taliban detains Afghan women for makeup, scarves, rights groups report

Women in Afghanistan are being detained by Taliban authorities for reasons ranging from wearing makeup to displaying colorful scarves, according to multiple human rights organizations monitoring the situation on the ground. The detentions reflect the Taliban's intensifying efforts to enforce its strict interpretation of Islamic dress codes and behavioral standards across the country since regaining control in August 2021. Rights groups have documented cases where women were held in custody for hours or days solely for appearance-related violations, with some facing additional penalties. The practice underscores growing concerns among international observers and regional analysts about the Taliban's systematic restrictions on Afghan women's freedoms and autonomy. Women's rights advocates warn that such enforcement mechanisms create a climate of fear that extends beyond dress code compliance, affecting women's willingness to participate in public life, education, and employment. The Taliban government has justified these measures as necessary for maintaining Islamic values, though critics argue the rules disproportionately impact women while effectively excluding them from society.