In response to the Taliban’s renewed enforcement of a ban on women working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief and Development (ACBAR) issued a set of detailed recommendations on Sunday to ensure female staff in health and education sectors can continue working under the restrictions.

The organization’s Immediate Response Team emphasized compliance measures, including full hijab requirements, separate facilities for female employees, and documented justification for their presence in offices.

The letter, dated December 26, 2024, reaffirmed the Taliban’s enforcement of a December 2022 directive and warned that non-compliance could result in the suspension of operations or revocation of licenses for NGOs.

In response, ACBAR held a meeting with the Taliban-run Ministry of Economy on Sunday, December 29, to address the implications of the directive and to clarify how NGOs can comply while maintaining critical operations.

Exemptions and updated guidelines

ACBAR emphasized that while the general ban remains in effect, specific exemptions apply to women working in health and education sectors. Additionally, the Taliban provided updated rules that NGOs employing female staff must follow:

Remote Work: Women working remotely (online) may continue their roles.

Travel Requirements: Female staff commuting to fieldwork or workplaces must be accompanied by a male guardian (mahram).

Hijab Enforcement: Women must observe full hijab at all times, including in transit and within the office.

Separate Facilities: NGOs must provide female staff with designated entrances, rest areas, and prayer spaces.

Workplace Justification: The presence of female employees in offices must be documented and justified, particularly in health and education roles.