The Taliban’s policy of excluding women from public life has extended to a press conference in New Delhi, where Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed reporters. The blatant gender discrimination has sparked international outrage and renewed calls for accountability regarding the Taliban’s human rights record.
The press gathering, which took place at the Afghan Embassy after high-level talks with Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, was notable for the complete absence of female journalists. This situation directly contradicts expectations of inclusive diplomatic engagement and serves as a stark reminder of the Taliban’s restrictive agenda concerning women.
Reports indicate that the Taliban delegation unilaterally decided on the media attendees, reportedly ignoring suggestions from the Indian hosts to ensure female journalists were included. This move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and media organizations worldwide, who have long denounced the Taliban’s systematic erosion of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Observers have characterized the all-male press conference as a ‘blatant reflection’ of the Taliban’s deep-seated misogyny. The event has raised serious questions about how such discriminatory practices can be allowed to manifest during official diplomatic visits, particularly in a country like India, which champions democratic values and gender equality.
When questioned about the severe restrictions faced by Afghan women, Minister Muttaqi sidestepped the issue, stating that each country has its own unique customs and laws deserving of respect. He also commented on the perceived improvement in Afghanistan’s security situation since the Taliban’s ascent to power in August 2021.
Since regaining control, the Taliban have progressively implemented policies that severely curtail women’s freedoms, including barring them from educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces. International bodies, such as the United Nations, have repeatedly voiced grave concerns about the widespread and systematic oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan.
This visit by Minister Muttaqi is a significant diplomatic event, marking the first ministerial-level engagement between the Taliban and India since 2021. However, the controversy surrounding the exclusionary press conference has unfortunately overshadowed the broader agenda of fostering bilateral cooperation and has brought the global focus back onto the Taliban’s oppressive gender policies.
